The fundraising power of a quirky second-hand bookshop in Hampton will be cut in half unless book lovers come to the charity's rescue.

For 30 years the Book Shop at Hampton train station in Ashley Road has sold used books for those in need of good reading material for their journey.

Each year the shop's proceeds are divided and thousands of pounds are donated to charities in the community, including Shooting Star Children's Hospice. Shop manager Joy McKie is launching an appeal to attract more Hampton readers to support the shop.

Mrs McKie said: "We got the rent down from triple to about double and we have signed a contract. However, I can imagine there will be none left for the charities once the rent is up. Instead of giving thousands to Shooting Star we will give hundreds.

"Recently the shop faced closure when the landlords, South West Trains, tripled the rent from £1,650 to £5,000. After six weeks and a series of meetings, the rent was settled at £3,250, with some costs waved in the final negotiations."

South West Trains' spokesman said the shop's rent is handled by an agent, Lambert Smith Hampton.

Lisa Davis, of South West Trains, said: "We are glad that it has come to an amicable end and we believe this was done fairly.

"We are supportive of the shop's charity work and we wish them all the best."

The Book Shop opened three decades ago to help build Linden Hall Day Centre in Hampton. The shop was then kept open as a charity shop to raise funds for Princess Alice Hospice, Teddington Hospital, and Kingston Cancer Appeal.

Mrs McKie boasted that the shop had raised £22,000 for charity over the past five years.

In addition to donated books and book buyers, the shop needs more volunteers.

Phone Mrs McKie on 8979 2463.