ONE of the UK's best bookshops is back open after it was given a makeover. 

Script Haven on Worcester's High Street has been transformed after being closed for renovation work earlier this month.

Shop owner Leena Batchelor said that "exceptional demand" for the independent bookshop's services meant that the space needed to be redeveloped quicker than anticipated.

A hand-built bespoke bookcase 7ft by 11ft has been installed, and the counter has been redesigned and moved back, significantly increasing floor space and providing a staging area for events. 

Shop owner Leena Batchelor said: "This is the first stage of our improvements. 

"Next we will be replacing the laminate floor section and redesigning our Book Nook to make it a more intimate and special experience for visitors. 

"We have been delighted by the work carried out for us by Penn-ultimate Electrical, Jack Pinfield Plumbing, and LA-Premium Timber Construction, all local independent traders. 

"The bookcases were built by Stamford Bookcase Company, an independent carpenter based in York."

The shop was recently named the third-best bookshop in the UK by The Times.

The shop's transformation has come just in time for the shop's first 'CreARTivity Festival', which takes place from May 26 to May 31.

The festival combines literature, art, and music with family-friendly daytime events and evening gigs.

Tickets for the festival are available at https://www.wegottickets.com/ScriptHaven 

You can follow updates on their social media platforms.

Ms Batchelor added: "Our festival is going to be outstanding.

"We have some wonderful acts coming to perform with us, including the Antipoet, who have performed at Glastonbury and Edinburgh, Voices Unlimited, Doorstep Princesses, and a number of headline poets.

"We recently held our first local authors' fair, which was a sell-out with 30 authors taking part; we are already considering using a larger venue for next year."