AN historic chapel in the heart of Corbridge is poised for a new lease of life as the home of an award-winning independent book shop.

Helen Stanton, who runs Forum Books in Corbridge Market Place and Forum Books Kids! on Watling Street, has drawn up plans to combine both book shops under one roof.

And she hopes to sympathetically transform the Corbridge Market Place Chapel into a haven for avid readers over the next few months.

Incorporating distinguishing features such as the pulpit and the pews, Helen, who took over the Market Place book shop almost six years ago, saw the opportunity to make the chapel the new home of her business while the leases on both of her current premises are due up for renewal.

"Our vision is to have a space which is bigger, better and more beautiful than what we have now," said Helen.

"The joiner has measured up for bespoke shelves and we hope to incorporate the pews and vintage furniture to really stay true to what is already there.

"What we want to see is both businesses under one roof and, actually, we think the inter-generational benefits of having children's books alongside what we offer for adults will work really well.

"We want the space to be somewhere that families can come, spend time and share stories."

The Grade II listed chapel was first sold in 1981 when Corbridge Methodist Church decided to plough the proceeds into improving and extending the building on Princes Street.

And now Helen, who has been in the running for the Independent Bookshop of the Year award for two years in a row, has submitted a planning application to change the use of the building from a place of worship to a bookshop.

The central area of the chapel will be filled with book shelves on castors, which can be moved to make way for the events the business has become known for.

Earlier this month Helen hosted a talk and book signing at Corbridge Cricket Club with writer and comedian, Adam Kay, and the Forum Books Kids shop on Watling Street celebrated Book Shop Day on Saturday, October 7 with a visit from the Axel Scheffler characters, Pip and Posy.

"We will still continue all of the events because I feel book selling is all about bringing the books to life," said Helen.

"We'll just have much more space to do it."