BLAENAVON'S Book- town is to double in size over the next six months in the second phase of the ambitious project.

James Hanna, the entrepreneur who began the project last summer, has outlined his plans to create even more shops to draw tourists into the heart of the town.

He said: "We're starting on commercialisation of Boot Lane and one whole block, from 32 Broad Street to the Bank, is going to be renovated.

"I hope by spring or June we'll have the whole lane commercialised and not just into book shop - things like pottery and craft shops.

"We've got some cafes opening, there's going to be a bookshop/travel store, but the goal for Boot Lane is to be craft-oriented. I'm looking for people to open arts, crafts, and bric-a-brac stores.

"The ultimate goal is to have every single shop in the town open. There should be about six or eight shops on Boot Lane so I'm guessing we'll have about 15 open in total.

"Ultimately we want what everyone in the town wants - a shoe shop, a jeans shop, but I suspect we have to get our tourism up a bit more first. "One of the new book shop is going to be geared toward men. It'll be a boys' shop with books about war, pub games, reference books.

"I'm also going to be starting a newsletter, Friends of the Booktown, in which I want information about local tourism, culture, that kind of thing, and if you buy a book that will go in the bag."

As reported, the town is to host a mini-literary festival at the beginning of March.

Jo Wyborn, who runs Chattertons Books on the High Street, is organising events to celebrate World Book Day on March 4.

She said: "It's in the planning stages but there will be events throughout the week.

"Catherine Fisher, who is a children's book author, will be up here on the Saturday and we'll have readings, signings, talks and more throughout the week.

"It'll be a small but well-formed literary festival."