OXFAM is to open a string of bookshops because of "unprecedented" demand for second-hand books.

The organisation already has 60 bookstores in the UK and will increase this number by up to 15 over the next year.

Sales of books have doubled in the past four years, raising millions of pounds for Oxfam's work.

The charity sold 12m books in 2002, raising £13m. It expects to sell 15m this year.

The top 10 performing specialist bookshops averaged sales of £170,000 each last year, while online sales raised £250,000.

"Oxfam's specialist bookshops will be a shock to people expecting the clichéd image of dark, dusty second-hand bookshops selling scruffy paperbacks," said a spokesman for the charity.

"The shops are bright and well- designed and offer a vast array of books, including many specialist, rare, antique and unusual titles.

"Many are no longer available from mainstream book retailers. Customers appreciate that diversity."

New sites are being sought across the UK and Oxfam hopes to open at least one new store a month over the next year.

The stock comes mainly from public donations directly to stores and from book bank collection bins.

The shops also offer new and nearly new books given by publishers.