HUNDREDS of people turned up to a popular charity book fair, which raised more than £16,000 to support children in need. 

Book collectors and enthusiastic readers had the opportunity to browse for rare pieces of literature, as well as their favourite titles at Holmwood House School in Colchester.

Since the NSPCC book fair began, it has collectively raised more than £500,000 for the children’s charity.

The event saw the mass sale of jigsaws, boardgames, CDs and DVDs, as well as a staggering 20,000 rare and interesting book titles.

Event organiser, Elizabeth Borg, said: “The book fair has come a long way from its first fair back in 1989, which was put together by 12 volunteers and raised around £5,000.

"The group now has 25 volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year, with 70 volunteers working across the event weekend.

"Our volunteers spend all year sourcing these books, sorting them and getting the event ready, and it’s so important to us that this event does well.

"The money we have raised in the past has done so much to help the NSPCC on their mission to help struggling children and young people."

Sarah Laffling is the NSPCC Community Fundraising Manager for Essex.

She said: "Growing up can be difficult for every child, and for some children and young people, they feel completely lost and alone.

"This book fair has been a staple of NSPCC local fundraising for over 30 years."

The NSPCC is the only UK children’s charity with statutory powers, meaning they can take action to safeguard children at risk of abuse.