A popular independent bookshop which was at risk of permanent closure will be reopening under new leadership.

Harbour Books, based in Whitstable's Harbour Street, was shut in March after 25 years of trading.

The previous owners of the store decided to close after an "especially difficult" few months at the start of the year.

But the shop has since been taken over by Whitstable resident Clare Connerton and is set to open this Saturday - coinciding with National Bookshop Day.

“I have been a regular customer at Harbour Books for a long time, and like many in the community I was devastated when I found out it was closing earlier this year," she said.

"It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to get Harbour Books back up and running and give Whitstable back its bookshop.

"Independent bookshops are great places for communities to connect and share creativity and knowledge and are more important than ever during this difficult time."

Harbour Books has long played a key part in the town's thriving literary scene - hosting regular book signings, author talks, a book club and monthly poetry and prose evening Words on Waves.

Ms Connerton hopes to continue this "strong tradition" and maintain its place as a literary hub for the community.

The shop’s current manager and staff will all continue in their roles under the new ownership.

Whitstable author Katherine May said she is "absolutely delighted" the shop is reopening.

"It’s not just a cherished local shop, but also a great source of support for local writers – a crucial part of Whitstable’s creative community," she said.

The shop was given a full renovation during its closure, and at launch will host a brand new children’s section.

Harbour Books is also developing an online store, which will be available to customers in the coming months.

But if customers are unable to find a book they are looking for in-store, bosses have said the team will order it for them, and most book orders can be available in-store the next day.

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