Independent bookshop reopens on town's high street

Darling Reads on High Street has replaced Rickaro Books, which called time on the shop, earlier this year.

Rickaro announced it would close in January with the business to move online, though owners Richard and Carole Knowles hoped it would be taken over and remain a bookshop.

And after an appeal in the Express for a new custodian Asher Woolford and Laura Iveson stepped up to take the reins.

It was due to open earlier this years but plans were put on hold as a result of the pandemic.

Asher said: "We’re really excited to be able to get back on track with our plans and will, of course, be keeping everyone as safe as possible by following government guidelines regarding social distancing et cetera.

"We’ve been really overwhelmed by the support and good wishes we’ve received so far and can’t wait to be able to see our customers again, old and new!"

The shop at 9am on Wednesday, July 22

At first it will be open Wednesday to Saturday, 9am to 4pm. The shop will be be open for browsing as usual but will also offer a collection service, free local delivery in Ossett and Horbury as well as continuing to offer UK home delivery service.