A kind-hearted butcher is swapping his chopping block for books as part of an ongoing quest to raise funds for charity.

Ali Dent, who has run AJ Dent Butchers, at Hilgay, near Downham Market, for 40 years, is organising his latest book sale for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). It is taking place at Hilgay Village Hall between 10am and 3pm on Sunday, 27th October.

Charity champion Ali has been running his popular book sales for more than 40 years. For the first two decades, he organised one a year, but, more recently, it has become bi-annual. “It all started when I was doing my rounds and delivering meat to an old lady, who mentioned she had lots of books she was looking to get rid of,” said Ali. “She asked if I knew anyone who might want them. “I said I’d take them off her hands, and that’s where the idea for a book sale first came from, especially as I had many of my own up in the attic. “I asked for donations, and, as word spread, I was suddenly inundated with boxes. “Since then, over the years, it’s grown and grown, and we store them in a garage owned by my cousin, Des, and his wife, Lesley. We’ve got thousands. “Des and Lesley deserve special mention as they’ve helped so much over the last 20 years, especially when I had an arrhythmia, when I was 40. They helped get things going again, and Lesley still does the lions’ share of sorting.”

The books range from children’s stories to fact and fiction, covering all genres in between, and, over the years, Ali has raised more than £200,000 for worthy causes, including £3,000 for EACH in 2003.

“There’s always a buzz on the day, and they can make anything from £2,000 to £10,000,” added Ali, 66. “It’s always hard to predict, but I’d encourage anyone interested in books and reading to come along. “We sort everything into categories, and everything’s well presented. I can guarantee bargains galore.”

In addition to his book sales, Ali also turns his hand to restoring and decorating unwanted garden ornaments and gnomes. He gives them some TLC – making repairs, if necessary, and then applying acrylic paint and varnish – before selling them for EACH.

Donations can be dropped at his shop or Ali can be emailed via thebutcherswife@hotmail.co.uk. His mobile number is 07979 370781.