A NEW Oxfam bookshop has opened in Swindon town centre after the last one closed down in August.

Shop manager Maggie Aldridge has appealed for volunteers as well as donated items to make the new initiative a success.

The Oxfam Books and Music Shop, in Theatre Square, was opened after the charity could not renegotiate the lease at its Havelock Street store.

The new shop will have books on the ground floor, arranged as before in order of category and author. There is even a corner for children with a table, chairs and toys.

The music department is downstairs with a large selection of CDs, records, tapes and videos. People can listen to music before they buy it.

"One of the joys of any Oxfam shop is the fact that you never know what may be lying on one of the shelves," Maggie said.

"We are constantly amazed by the quality of the books and music we are given but we always need more. Provided they are in good condition, somebody else will want to buy them."

The store needs volunteers to help sort and price items and operate the till. For more information call the shop on (01793) 497734.