A BEST-SELLING author praised the efforts of a community that brought its library back from the brink of closure at its opening yesterday.

Great Ayton Discovery Centre invited historical novelist Philippa Gregory to unveil a plaque commemorating its official re-opening after a year of uncertainty.

The library was earmarked for closure by North Yorkshire County Council following cuts in funding – but residents succeeded in taking it off the council’s hands to run it themselves.

Ian Pearce, from the management team, said: “Today is very exciting and the culmination of all of our hard work.

“We have more than 80 volunteers – and while we were quietly confident it would work, we were still daunted by the enormity of the task.”

Ms Gregory, author of The Other Boleyn Girl, said: “Local libraries are a hugely important part of any community and I applaud the volunteers for their hard work.

“I am a great supporter of libraries – I spent a lot of time in them as a child and think that if we do not raise children to read books, we will raise a generation of barbarians.”

Ms Gregory, who has taught at Durham University and Teesside University, and now lives on the North York Moors, said: “I have not seen a community library like this before, but I think it must be the way forward for others in danger of closure.”

Assistant chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council Gary Fielding said: “Two years ago, the council had to make substantial savings and reduce funding.

“This was one library we invited the community to take over or else it would have to close.

“I have worked very closely with the Great Ayton Library committee and they had so much energy and enthusiasm from the start, so it has been great.

“Although other communities in the county have taken ownership of their libraries, not many have the ambition and drive of this one.”

Volunteer Jennifer Roberts said she was extremely proud of what the group had achieved.

“People who at one time doubted us and waited for us to fail are now telling me how pleased they are that it is still open.”