A CHILDREN'S bookshop has officially opened in Cirencester.

Octavia's Bookshop, in Black Jack Street, is run by Octavia Karavla, who had been working in another Cirencester bookshop for seven years before launching her own business.

She was thrilled that nearly 300 people turned up to see Octavia's Bookshop officially opened by popular children's author Lauren St John who stayed to sign copies of her works for young bookworms.

Lauren is famous for The White Giraffe series and the Laura Marlin Mysteries and was recently won Favourite Story in the 2011 Blue Peter Book Awards.

"I'm passionate about children's literature and saw a real gap in the market," Octavia explained. "It was a fantastic day and I was delighted that Lauren agreed to open the shop for me and sign copies of her book."

The bookshop also stocks a selection of adult titles and reference books and offers a 48hour ordering service for all other books and CDs.

For more information go to octaviasbookshop.co.uk or call 01285 650677.