Best selling author's cheque for indie book shop

Diane Gunning, owner of Ebb and Flo Bookshop, Chorley.

James Patterson has handed over donations to 62 books shops across the UK as part of his campaign to support independent traders.

Ebb and Floor will use the money to help purchase a new front door for their premises in Gillibrand Street and to provide more book cases for school book fairs.

James Patterson’s $1m Campaign for Independent Bookstores is a global campaign and any independent bookshop with a dedicated children’s book section is eligible to apply for a grant of between £250 and £5,000.

The announcement of the grant for Ebb and Flo coincides with James receiving with the 2016 Outstanding to the Book Industry at The British Book Industry Awards earlier this month.

Since the first round of applications in September 2014, this fourth announcement takes the total allocated by James up to £500,000 across 272 grants to independent bookshops.

He said: “I have been completely overwhelmed by just how many independent bookshops have applied for grants again this year, and yet again have been impressed and enthused by the creativity of booksellers.

“I am extremely proud and honoured to accept the Outstanding Contribution to the Book Industry Award.”

Ebb and Flo is the brainchild of husband and wife team Martin and Diane Gunning and since opening its doors in April 2013 has become a popular addition to Chorley town centre, regularly hosting authors for reading and book signing sessions.