THE EVER popular annual Observer’s book fair held in Easter Compton drew in the crowds for its 10th year.

The fair was first held in 2005 after Pilning resident Richard Edwards decided to form an Observer’s Pocket Series Collectors’ Society meeting in the area.

Ten years on and the event is still drawing in crowds from far and wide.

Yorkshire was the home of the first collector who made their way to the annual event held at Easter Compton Village Hall on Saturday, April 11.

This year’s special guest was Observer’s author Peter Wheat, who lives in Poole. He is a renowned fishing book author and penned the Observer’s books of Coarse Fishing, Fly Fishing and Sea Fishing.

He continues to fish and write, and is hoping to soon publish a new book on his favourite angling pursuit - crucian carp fishing.

He happily sat and chatted with attendees and, using his best fountain pen and assisted in the blow drying by his wife Bunty, he carefully signed the many books that were put in front of him throughout the day.

Organiser Richard Edwards said: “It is always difficult to estimate the numbers of visitors, but this meet seemed as good as any before with a steady stream of people circulating the hall.

“Most found books they were looking for and sellers reported doing a good trade.”

The star item of the auction proved to be a ‘Cyanamid’ wall mounted display rack, which could be used for displaying the rare Cyanamid chemicals covers which sold for an impressive £100.

Buoyed by the continuing success of the event, the book fair will be repeated at a similar time next year.