AN annual book fair is hoping to break a £500,000 fundraising target as it marks a milestone anniversary.

The NSPCC Book Fair, held at Holmwood House School, is celebrating 30 years raising money for the children's charity.

The fair, held every October, began life in 1989 as a one-day event which raised around £5,000.

It now regularly attracts in 2,000 visitors and raises in excess of £22,000 over a weekend.

To date it has raised more than £475,000 for the charity.

Elisabeth Borg, chair of the NSPCC Book Fair committee said: “Our volunteers have once again worked tirelessly preparing for the event and we are so grateful to the public for their donations.

"The quality of items donated has been fantastic this year and has seen a vast number of science books given covering areas such as microscopy and astronomy for example.

"We have also have had significant donations of military related books from private libraries.

"The event simply wouldn’t happen without the kind donators giving their books and for this we are especially grateful.”

Thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, games and jigsaws are set to be available to buy.

Boydens, a long-time supported of the fair, has branches which act as donation points.

David Boyden, managing partner, said: “Events such as this rely so much on strong community support and the work which goes into putting on this event is simply phenomenal.

"The fact that the event has raised so much money for such a worthy cause is testament to the volunteers and

"I hope we can help break the half a million-pound mark at this year’s event.”

The fair is open from 9.30am to 4pm on Saturday October 26 and Sunday October 27.

Fresh items will be available on the Sunday.