A PORTLAND man was amazed to discover that his late wife’s vast collection of complementary therapy books exceeded 1,000 copies.

Island herbalist Andrew Cowling held a memorial book sale to find ‘appreciative’ homes for his beloved wife Ann’s collection of alternative health books and funds for a complementary cancer charity.

He decided to hold the book sale after deciding the amount of books was just too large for his small cottage.

But it was only after he had sold around 350 books and found around 700 remaining that he realised how vast the collection was.

The book sale, which took place at the Light and Energy Centre in Weymouth’s Jubilee Enterprise Centre, raised £320 for the CANCERactive charity.

Mr Cowling, of Tophill, plans to hold another event to sell the remaining books in the spring, as he said the collection was too large to remain in his house.

He said: “Ann died two years ago due to cancer at the age of 71.

“Ann loved her books. They contain great wisdom and I’m happy to see them go to people who also want to acquire that knowledge.

“I really wanted Ann’s books to go to people who would appreciate them.

“We raised £320 at the book sale and that’s well over 300 books as we sold them at £1 each or six for £5.

“Dozens of people attended throughout the day.

“And it went really well, despite the fact there is still around 700 books left.

“It wasn’t until we realised that 350 had been sold that we had some idea of how many books we had got.”

He added: “We’re planning to do another fundraiser in the spring.

“It’s a very good range on all kinds of spiritual matters.

“Ann also had several hundred books about Buddhism, which I gave to a Buddhist monastery in Devon.

“Ann was very spiritual and she did a lot of voluntary work to help people with spiritual and psychic development.

“She helped a lot of people.”

Andrew's friend Claire Whiles, who runs the Light and Energy Centre, assisted with the book sale.

She said: “There were more than 1,000 books and we raised £320 in aid of cancer active.

“We still have plenty of books left so may do another sale here at Light and Energy Centre at some point but if anyone wants to come and have a look that couldn't make the book sale they can call me on 01305 839394.”