A BOOKSHOP in Oxford is starting a 'books hotline' over lockdown.

Blackwell's is temporarily closing due to the national lockdown from Thursday to December 2, but is determined to still help readers with their purchases.

The 'books hotline' allows readers to ring and speak to booksellers who will give advice and recommendations to help with Christmas shopping.

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You can call Blackwell's hotline on their normal number, 01865 792792.

The store also be offering Book Bike Delivery Service for customers within the Oxford ring road.

For orders placed before midday the books will be delivered by bike the same day.

The bike delivery service is operating 'to provide Oxford residence with a faster, more local and more sustainable book service'.

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Blackwell's manager Rebecca MacAlister said: "Blackwell's is Oxford's bookshop.

"For the time while we are closed, our booksellers are still here to help people stock up on books and do their Christmas shopping in the safest possible way.

"This time, customers can still collect books from the bookshop or speak to a bookseller to place orders to be sent out to them at home.

"As booksellers and book lovers ourselves, we know that books are an essential way to get through these uncertain times. So let Blackwell's take care of Christmas this year."

Blackwell's Bookshop has been selling books on Broad Street since 1879.