A Sheffield charity is looking forward to the next chapter in its fundraising history after raising £100,000 in just five years from the sale of books.

Children's tales, real life stories, novels and biographies have been flying off the shelves at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, where Neurocare staff and volunteers have been selling books to staff, patients and visitors since February 2007 to raise money for the Neurosciences Department.

The novel idea began when Neurocare trustee Rex Caplan asked friend Ian White, of book traders' Bestsellers Direct, if he could donate some of the returned and remaindered books the company deals in to the charity to sell from gift trolleys in the hospital foyer

Sales managers Janet Willis and a team of fantastic volunteers spend four days a week selling everything from pop-up books to hardbacks for Neurocare.

Janet, who has been involved with the charity since it began in 1986, said:

"We initially started out with a one-off donation of books to sell but it proved such a popular venture that we are still enjoying a roaring trade. We sell everything from novels, factual books, cookery guides, audio books and children's fairy tales all from £1.

"On our first day we sold £160 worth of books so to reach £100,000 is such a fantastic achievement. It's a great example of how a simple fundraising idea can make a big impact and can help promote charities like Neurocare."

Carol Binney, Retail Manager added:  "Reaching £100,000 is a fantastic achievement for Neurocare and has had a major impact on the equipment and expertise the Neurosciences Department is able to offer patients.

"It's been a team effort and I hope staff, visitors and patients will continue to pick up a good read at the hospital to support Neurocare."

Ian White, of Best Sellers Direct, said he is delighted to help Neurocare by providing book supplies.

He added: "Neurocare is a fantastic charity and I really admire the fundraising the charity does to provide state of the art equipment for the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. I'm delighted the book sales have proved popular and lucrative for Neurocare and hope this success continues."