A NEW chapter has begun in the life of a bookstore which moved with the help of a human chain.

A large number of people attended the re-opening of October Books, which now occupies a former bank in Portswood Road, Southampton, after leaving its previous premises.

October Books made headlines around the world after finding a novel way to move its stock.

As reported in the Daily Echo, about 2,000 books were passed along a 150-metre chain by 243 people.

October Books raised £500,000 to buy the bank through crowdfunding, donations and a loan from Co-operative and Community Finance.

The business decided to leave its previous premises after being faced with a rent rise it was unable to afford.

Children’s author Ali Sparkes performed the opening ceremony by cutting a paper chain put up to imitate the real one which had made the move possible.

The celebrations included a cake, live drumming and a performance by the Red Stars Choir. Staff member Jaquie Daniels sang a song called Buying the Bank.

Colleague Amy Brown said: “We were inundated with people buying books and Christmas cards. It was hectic, but in a nice way.”

Named after the Russian Revolution, October Books was founded in 1977.