SHOCKED staff at a historic Christian book shop in York were told the premises was closing down - via email.

Charity bosses from the Society For Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK), sent the memo to managers at the Goodramgate store following the collapse of a planned merger of its retail operation.

They later clarified their position with another email, saying no definite decision had been made over the future of its 20 or so book shops across the UK.

Paul Walker, 50, who has managed the shop in Goodramgate for nearly five years, said: "We were quite shocked on Friday when we received a memo telling us all the shops would be closed. It stirred all sorts of feelings in us.

"Now we're being told that there may be hope. I'm optimistic that someone else will come in and acquire the business. We are profitable."

The shop, which employs seven staff, has supplied local churches with everything from service liturgy to Sunday school material for more than 60 years.

It first opened its doors in Stonegate in the mid-1940s, before moving to Goodramgate in 1987, when former Archbishop of York Dr John Habgood cut the ribbon.

SPCK, whose patron is Her Majesty The Queen, is a Christian charity formed more than 300 years ago and works in partnership with churches and clergy around the world to help people deepen their faith.

Margaret Sentamu, the wife of the Archbishop of York, is the staff and pensions committee chairman of the charity's governing body.

As well as running the retail arm, SPCK publishes Christian literature and supports more than 200 charitable projects abroad.

The future of the bookshops has been threatened following the collapse of a merger with Christian book retailer STL.

The Venerable John Barton, who works for the Archbishop of York, said: "Obviously I'm very concerned about the staff, and it's good that there is the possibility of a reprieve. The shop has been of long-standing service to the people and churches of York.

"Bookshops are all under pressure from intense competition and Christian bookshops are no different."

An SPCK spokesman said the original email sent to the York shop was not a "full statement" but said some of their book stores may have to close in the future.

"We're considering our next steps," she said.

In a statement, Clive Wright, chairman of SPCK's governing body, said: "We are sorry to say that it has not been possible to reach agreement between SPCK and STL (Wesley Owen) on the proposed combination of our shops. This is most disappointing for both parties.

"We are now assessing the implications of this development and how we shall respond."

Updated: 09:24 Thursday, April 27, 2006