A METHODIST church has come to the rescue of a York book sale by agreeing to host the event for an extra week.

The second-hand book sale, which started on Saturday, was originally held at the St Martin-cum-Gregory Church in Micklegate, York, until the church suddenly closed.

It was feared the church's closure would spell the end for the event until the Central Methodist Church, in St Saviourgate, stepped in and offered to house the sale.

The event, which raises money for Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum, near Crewe, was due to end tomorrow.

But now it will be open between 10am and 5pm every day except Good Friday and Easter Sunday until next Wednesday.

Organiser, the Rev Stephen Hatcher said: "When St Martin's very abruptly closed, we were at a loss at what to do. This has been a lifeline."

Updated: 09:10 Wednesday, April 16, 2003