Piles of books on every subject from music to cookery, architecture and anatomy are neatly stacked on the shelves.

In the background, a church organ is playing - music to the ears of the steady flow of book lovers checking out the collection.

At the back of the fascinating building, a man, an author himself, is carefully sifting through new donations, marking them up to sell.

Rev Lorimer with volunteers (far right) with volunteers Leona Parry and Duncan Finley

This is Alsager Book Emporium – a book lovers' paradise, where hundreds of books are for sale at bargain prices.

But this is no ordinary book shop for the aladdin's cave of countless titles, more than 60,000, is housed in a former Methodist chapel.

And it's the brainchild of retired Methodist minister, Rev Malcolm Lorimer, an author himself who just loves books.

"We're one of the biggest book shops in the North Wet and get people travelling to us from far and wide," said Malcolm.

Rev Lorimer sorting through books

"I don't think books will never go out of fashion because people like reading printed matter. I've always liked books.

"Lots of people like the feel of a book. Reading on a Kindle or computer can strain your eyes."

Rev Lorimer set up the emporium in Hassall Road as a base for selling second-hand books and to raise money for Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum.

All the proceeds Alsager Book Emporium, around £14,000 or more a year, go to the Englesea Brook chapel.

And although the building is no longer a church, you will find the occasional service taking place among the books, such as at Christmas or Easter.

"The building is kindly loaned to us by the South Cheshire Methodist Circuit," said Rev Lorimer.

"We took out all the pews but left the organ in. It is used and you can hear organ music being played from time to time."

Volunteers who help out at the book shop come from all over the area, including Sandbach.

The number of books and maps available is extensive. There's hardly a subject which isn't covered and some of the books are brand new.

"We get lots of donations. People buy books which are never read and then bring them to us.

"We're very grateful for any donations. Any which we think we can't sell or are in bad condition we send for pulping," says Rev Lorimer, who started off life as a printer.

Rev Lorimer's own books are of course among those on the shelves.

"Murder on the Ribblehead Viaduct", "Saints and Sinners" and "The Sermon that led to Murder" have all been written by Rev Lorimer.

Rev Lorimer is an author himself

And even Rev Lorimer's other love, cricket, has been paired with his love of books and words.

For when he is not at Alsager Book Emporium, Rev Lorimer is delving in cricket history and books as a member of Old Trafford Cricket Club's heritage team.

Alsager Book Emporium is currently open on Fridays and Saturdays 10 am until 2 pm at Hassall Road Methodist Chapel in Hassall Road.