MORE than 5,000 books and maps will fill both floors of Wiveliscombe Community Centre on Saturday morning (March 14) for the town’s 14th annual book fair.

The event, which runs from 9 am to 1 pm, has been organised for many years by the community centre’s long-serving volunteer Des Hawkins, who has seen high demand for it locally.

It features a mix of genres, and children’s stories are a big part of the fair, which could be due to the ‘Mr Darling’ factor - Paul Dahling, a book collector from Milverton and long-time supporter of the voluntary run centre.

There will be a wide range of collectable titles, with subjects ranging from art, children’s, and collectables, to hobbies, military, novels, poetry,

In addition, there will be a plethora of maps.

The book fair was designed to raise funds for the charity, which Mr Hawkins does every Saturday with tombolas and jumble sales and other activities together with volunteer of 19 years David Willis.

Mr Willis will be launching his new literary work, ‘The Power of Procrastination’, and signing limited edition copies.

A spokesperson for the book fair said: “Its continuing success underlines the hunger for books, in all age groups in Wiveliscombe and the surrounding 10 Parishes.

“Many of the books are of diverse subjects, and some are rare, but most of varied interest.”

This year’s book fair will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of author Michael Bond, who is probably best known for creating the marmalade loving Paddington Bear in 1958.

Celebrations to honour Mr Bond are being held across the country throughout 2026.

The community centre, which last year saw a full redecoration and window replacement of the upper hall, together with new railings, is fully accessible, and refreshments will also be available.