A HISTORIAN from Witham has boosted a charity book fair by donating over 1,500 books.

William Tyler, 70, is semi-retired after a distinguished career as a historian and teacher, including at The City Lit in London.

He has donated a huge number of books, many on the local history of Essex and Suffolk, to the NSPCC book fair taking place in Colchester this October.

Mr Tyler said: "Now that semi-retirement beckons, it’s time to make a bit more space by getting rid of some of the thousands of books I’ve accumulated over the years.

"I’m delighted they will be helping such a good cause and I hope they give their new owners as much pleasure as they have given me over the years."

The NSPCC book fair is now in it's 27th year and in 2015 raised over £24,000 for the UK's number one children's charity.

Elisabeth Borg, Chairman of the NSPCC Book Fair Committee, said: “Mr Tyler’s donation is greatly appreciated and a huge boost to our fund-raising efforts. This year’s donations are going well, though we could do with more children’s books.”

The book fair is being sponsored by local estate agency, Boydens, which has opened its branches as drop-off points where people can donate books.

David Boyden, Managing Partner at Boydens, said: “Our offices are all located in easy to reach locations but our staff will be very willing to call in and collect books from people if they are in the vicinity. We’ve sponsored the book fair for many years now and are delighted to play whatever part we can to ensure the event continues to be the hugely successful event it has become.”

This year's book fair takes place at Holmwood House School, Colchester, on October 29 and 30.

Books can be donated at Boydens branches:

• Aston House, 57-59 Crouch Street, Colchester, CO3 3EY

• Guildhall House, 34 Bank Street, Braintree, CM7 1UG

• 121 High Street. Kelvedon, CO5 9AA

• 73 Connaught Avenue, Frinton-on-Sea, CO13 9PP

• 64 North Street, Sudbury, CO10 1RE

• John V Story, 76 Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1SP.

As well as five other collection points:

• Fiveways Co-op, Peartree Road, Lexden

• Barnplants Garden Centre, Turkeycock Lane, Stanway

• Hearts’ Delight Nursery, Long Road, Lawford

• Tom ‘Farm Shop, Maldon Road, Tiptree

• Stonefield Farm Shop, Kelvedon Road, Inworth

Anyone unable to get to a collection point and who would like someone to collect their donated items can telephone 01206 271616.