AN AWARD-WINNING independent bookseller is looking to sell his business after his “most successful year”.

Co-owner of Abingdon’s Mostly Books Mark Thornton said he wanted to “hand over the reigns” to a new and enthusiastic owner, who would be willing to continue the Stert Street business.

The 45-year-old said: “We will be 10 years old next year, and we’re very keen to take the shop forward for the next 10 years.

“The staff are all aware and we have a clear purpose to continue the shop running.

“What the place needs is a fresh set of ideas to get people in.”

The father-of-two has said that although founding the bookshop happened at a point where online book-selling and the recession was threatening independent book shops, the store saw its most successful year in 2014.

He added: “Through grassroots campaigning there’s been a real resurgence for independent book shops, and with big events at the shop we’ve seen a lot of people coming in.”

The former sales director said that it was a very tough decision to make, but along with his wife Nicki, the couple decided that taking a break and “moving onto other things” was the best course of action.

But the Thorntons don’t plan to sell up any time soon.

Mr Thornton said: “Selling the book shop could take a year or two years, we will still be here for our customers and will continue to help throughout this time.”

After leaving his job at an Abingdon-based technology company, Mr Thornton took on the challenge of opening the store in 2006, which specialises in children’s books.

He said: “It’s been incredibly rewarding.

“Literacy is one of the most important things in life.

“I’ve been incredibly passionate about going into schools to promote literacy, especially being a father.

“Over the years I’ve also seen some of our customers become authors.”

Over the years a number of famous authors, including American Jodi Picoult, have come to Mostly Books for events.

Last year the shop played host to comedian and Abingdon School alumni David Mitchell.

Mr Thornton said that he hoped that someone who was enthusiastic would be able to take on the business, and he envisaged the shop selling books for years to come.