A remarkable story is coming to a end as a much-loved Farnham bookshop will close its doors later this summer.

The Blue Bear Bookshop on The Borough was voted one of the UK’s 12 best independent bookshops by readers of The Times in January.

But after delighting bookworms for five years, the final chapter is now approaching as the town centre store will close on Sunday, August 18.

Farnham residents will have many stories and memories from the shop from its important role during Farnham Literary Festival to turning off the Wi-fi to encourage social interaction.

The bookshop and cafe opened in 2019 with the aim of becoming a community hub with the shop regularly hosting events and activities along with book launches.

Bosses confirmed the August 18 closure online before thanking its customers for “all the love and support” shown over the last five years.

There may yet be a happy ending to the story as the Blue Bear Bookshop has hinted at a possible relocation to a new premises nearby.

Farnham’s lust for literature continues as a bookshop specialising in rare and antique publications has opened in the former Surrey & Hants newspaper office on Lion & Lamb Yard.

Holybourne Rare Books - the second to open following its original branch in Alton - offers hardback covers of classic literature, magazines and more.

The new shop and its owners are looking forward to enhancing the importance of literature in the area and are keen on bringing back Farnham’s Book Fair in the near future.