A HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED bookshop in Malmesbury opened this morning and a special guest is due to visit later this week.

Barn Owl Books - situated in Oxford Street, Malmesbury - opened its doors to the public for the very first time at 9.30am on Tuesday, August 1.

Owner Amanda Wallis is excited to announce that acclaimed children's author and former jockey Charlie P. Brooks will be involved in the bookshop's grand opening ceremony at 11am on Friday, August 4.

Charlie P. Brooks, alongside co-author Katy Riddell, wrote the popular Holly Hopkinson trilogy and will be signing copies on the day.

He was also be bringing his Shetland pony Beanstalk, who features in the book, for a meet and greet.

The bookshop will play host to an array of local and national best-selling authors in the future, joining Amanda for readings and meet-and-greet events. 

Details for upcoming events will be posted on the Barn Owl Books' Facebook page.