Local funeral director Otley Funeralcare has set up a small free library at the front of the building on Cross Green in the town.

This brilliant little initiative, which can already be seen in many local communities, is a welcome addition to the town.

Books are provided `in good faith’ in the hope that users will return a book for every one that they take. They add a welcome community feel to the area and serve as a platform to access books for free and encourage and inspire reading for residents of all ages.

Rob Tindall who is Funeral Director there said: ‘This is an idea that we as a co-operative movement really support. It fits with our values and, as we had the space in the front of the building, we seized on the opportunity to put one in place."

He further added: ‘Even though it is a small thing, we hope that it can maybe act as another little focal point in this beautiful town. A place where people may stop and chat, even if only for a minute or two. We will stock the library with as many books as we can at first, but we really encourage people to make use of it and swap and change books for everyone to enjoy."