A FRIENDLY gang of children’s book characters helped launch Chipping Sodbury’s new volunteer-run library service this month.

The Gruffalo, Wally - of Where’s Wally fame - and Doctor Seuss favourite, the Cat in the Hat, were all on hand to welcome visitors to the community facility.

Chipping Sodbury Mayor Wendy Whittle and the Gruffalo joined forces to ceremonially cut a shiny red ribbon and announce the library well and truly open.

Maggie Allsopp, chairman of the Friends of Chipping Sodbury Library, said: “The launch was a great success. “It was very busy, as we were running it as a normal library day, as well as it being the opening event.”

Free tea, coffee and cake were served and over 50 visitors came along. It was the volunteer staff ’s first opportunity to put all their training into practice with members of the public.

“Everyone was very patient and understanding,” Ms Allsopp said.

“They all realised that we’re still learning and getting used to this.

“So many members of the public said how pleased they are that we’ve kept the service open.”

A slight hiccup occurred when one of the users put coins in the wrong slot of the self service machine, which put it out of action for a couple of hours.

“It could’ve happened at any time, but it happened on our first day,” said Cate Davidson, Sodbury Town Council clerk.

“But the volunteers coped brilliantly and we learnt a lot in the process."

She added: “The volunteers have been fantastic. Some are recent retirees and say they are really glad to be able to do something for the community."