WHEN shop owner and arts lover Jo Batchelor heard about a new musical set in a book store she knew it had to be a match made in heaven.

Now Ms Batchelor, who runs Devizes Books, is to host a gala performance of songs from Paper Hearts created by Swindon based writer Liam O'Rafferty on October 29 from 7.30pm.

Tickets costing £10 have just gone on sale at the shop and can also be reserved by emailing sales@devizesbooks.plus.com

Among those performing the songs will be Bindy Baker, daughter of Dr Who star Colin, and Damien Edwards.

The CD of the music includes songs mixed by Colin Moulding of XTC, from Swindon, who will also be there on the night along with Devizes musician Innes Siburn who plays on the recording.

Ms Batchelor said: "I am very excited by the project as it promotes independent retailing, specifically bookshops.

"One of my customers, who is a friend of Liam O'Rafferty, told me about the musical and how it was set in a bookshop.

"It seemed like a perfect fit and I wanted to be involved in some way."

Over lunch the three of them came up with the idea of the bookshop hosting a performance of the songs which is being promoted in association with the nationwide campaign Books Are My Bag set up to get more people to use their local book shops.

It was launched on Thursday and has many celebrity backers including Graham Norton and Jamie Oliver. Book shops across the country will now have the distinctive orange bags to give to their customers.

Dame Gail Rebuck, joint chair of the BAMB steering group, said: "After the success of the first two years, the Books Are My Bag campaign is going into its third year gathering momentum, fuelled by the enthusiasm of booksellers, publishers and authors."

The musical evening will be staged in the gallery above the book shop and places are limited to 50. The £10 ticket price will include complimentary nibbles and bubbly but people are also welcome to take along their own drinks.

For more information ring 01380 725944.