Twickenham MP Vince Cable paid tribute to this newspaper on a return visit to Hampton’s Charity Book Shop this week.

The Business Secretary played an important role in negotiating a rent freeze with the shop’s landlords South West Trains when it was in danger of closing eight years ago.

The shop, adjacent to Hampton station, also issued a plea for volunteers and customers in the Richmond and Twickenham Times last year.

The store’s owner Joy McKie said: "We’ll never forget the part Vince played in helping us fight the rent increase proposed by South West Trains.

"Without his help we would have certainly faced closure."

Dr Cable added: "It’s very encouraging to see that the bookshop is still going strong.

“I know that they faced a wobble recently but, thanks to the publicity provided by the Richmond and Twickenham Times, I understand that they’ve had experienced a real boost in terms of volunteers and donations."

Each year, the shop donates about £5,000 to charities including the Greenwood Centre, the Princess Alice Hospice and Teddington Memorial Hospital.