A STALWART of a town's retail scene will soon be celebrating six decades in business.

Over the years difficult economic times and the decline of the high street has spelled the end for many independent retailers.

But, in spite of increasingly tough odds Cornerstone Books and Gifts, in Ulverston's Market Street, has found a way to buck the trend.

First established in 1958 by the Lonsdale Bible Society the shop its staff of dedicated volunteers have, over the years, found a way to keep the religious book shop afloat in a time where people turn less to spirituality and faith.

Store manager Frances Couch, said: "We have been through some financially difficult times. But there are always people out there that have a faith or who are searching. They are amazed to find a Christian book shop on the high street."
With volunteers aged from their 20s to their 80s the team of eight, backed up by a five-strong group of trustees have kept the shop in business since it relocated to Market Street eight years ago.

David Parratt, is today one of the groups trustees, having worked at the shop from 1972 until 2010. He was extremely pleased to see the shop reach 60, having devoted so much of his life to its success.

He said: "It is great to see that it is still there and still going."

Anne Hood, another trustee, said by moving location from Mill Street, to the centre of town, may have been the decision which saved the future of the store.

She said: "It was a bold step to come in to the high streets. With higher rents but it was seen as a way to make the shop more accessible to a wider range of people."

As part of its 60th anniversary year the group behind the shop will hold a special celebratory service at the Ulverston Methodist Church in Neville Street, on September 30, from 3pm. All are welcome to attend the event which will celebrate the legacy of the shop and hopefully its future legacy.

Barbara Thomas, explained why she had worked as a volunteer for eight years at Cornerstone.

She said: "I enjoy meeting people. A lot of people pop in not really knowing that we are a Christian book shop. But it is good to have a conversation. It is about being part of a community."

Mrs Hood added as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations, if a member of the public brings this article into the shop, they can enjoy a 10 per cent discount up until September 30.