A CHARITY book shop in Brimscombe is branching out into selling vinyls following thousands of donations.

Donations of around ten thousand LPs and singles dating back as far as the early 1950s have been given to The Cotswold Canals Trust Bookshop.

The shop at Brimscombe Port Business Park raises funds for the restoration of the local canals by selling second-hand books on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Once the canal restoration reaches Brimscombe the site will become a working port and marina again.

Volunteers at the bookshop are currently sorting through thousands of donated books and records and with music on vinyl currently undergoing a revival and prices starting at a pound, collectors have been picking up both low-price bargains and some high-priced rarities. Jazz, pop and classical vinyl albums have proved particularly popular, especially early stereo rarities in near mint condition, which can fetch hundreds of pounds.

As record department volunteer John Beecher explained: “Often obscure artists and early stereo LPs sold poorly on release and sometimes just a few pressings have survived the ravages of time and a blunt stylus. “We have been fortunate to receive quality records from supporters of the canal trust and they tell us they are happy to see us raise thousands of pounds through their donations”.

The shop is open between 10am and 4pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, in Unit 1, Brimscombe Port Business Park, GL5 2QQ.