JOHN Robertson and his wife Margaret opened their shop for business in Exeter's Okehampton Street last week.

Bridge Books is an independent Christian bookshop devoted to serving the whole of the church community.

John said: “Exeter needs a Christian bookshop.

“We emailed all of the churches in the area and we've had a very positive response.”

John is no stranger to the trade, having worked in bookselling and with specialist publishers for the last 42 years.

He and his wife saw the opportunity to open their shop in Exeter after Christian bookseller Wesley Owen closed its premises in Paris Street last year.

Initially, John was a little concerned about the cost of shelving for the shop, but said: “I contacted Wesley who said that if I brought a lorry up to Carlisle, I could have the shelving for free.”

He added: “I'm very optimistic that we can achieve sales. Everyone wants answers to basic questions and many people are more likely to walk into a bookshop than a church.”