A CHRISTIAN bookshop forced to close down after the charity that ran it went into administration is to reopen under a different name, it has been confirmed.

Wesley Owen Books and Music, in South Woodford High Road, was at the centre of a hard-fought campaign to stay open after charity IBS STL closed down at the end of 2009.

A total of 26 stores across the country were told they would have to cease trading as soon as stock ran out, with as little as 24 hours' notice.

Church-goers and customers banded together to raise almost £40,000 in a bid to open the South Woodford store independently and a campaign group on social networking site Facebook has attracted 539 members.

But it has now been formally confirmed that Nationwide Christian Trust (NCT) has bought the store and will operate it under the name Living Oasis.

A spokeswoman for NCT said: “Living Oasis is a division of Nationwide Christian Trust.

“It will be used to brand shops throughout the UK.”

It is not yet known when the store will begin trading again or what will happen to existing staff and volunteers.

A document released by the charity states there is a possibility a coffee shop could be introduced, as well as a lounge section and children's play area.

It adds that store managers and local Christians are being consulted to see what will be possible within each store and local churches are to be brought on board to become stake holders.

To receive a Living Oasis brochure, call NCT on 01277 365398