A letter signed by Sir John Betjeman turned up inside a donated book at Shepton Community Bookshop – and has now sold at auction for £70.

Volunteers Richard and Jane made the discovery while sorting through donations at the community-run shop in Shepton Mallet. The handwritten note by the former Poet Laureate was folded inside a book and went unnoticed until they spotted it.

The letter went under the hammer at Lawrence's Auctioneers in Crewkerne, who waived their usual commission. That means every penny of the sale will go towards local good causes.

Sharing the news on social media, the bookshop thanked the anonymous donor, the eagle-eyed volunteers, and Lawrence's for their support.

All the money raised will be used to support community projects in and around Shepton Mallet.