HUNDREDS of book lovers and collectors descended on Oxford for one of the biggest events in the bibliophile’s calendar this weekend.

The annual Oxford Book Fair took place at its new venue at the Headington campus of Oxford Brookes University on Saturday and Sunday.

There were dozens of stalls from book dealers all over the country including a rare books stand from Oxford’s own Blackwell’s book store and manuscripts selling for tens of thousands of pounds.

The fair is organised by booksellers Tom Lintern-Mole and Conor Pattenden and is backed by the Provincial Booksellers' Fairs Association.

Mr Lintern-Mole, who helped run the fair on both days, praised the turnout and said there had been something for everyone at this year’s event.

The 31-year old said: “More people have come to this year’s event now that we are back in the city.

“It has been a strong attendance and it has been such a sunny day that has helped.

“I think this event is unique and Oxford is a great city for it.

“This is one of the biggest fairs in the country, it is probably the third biggest book fair.

“What’s different about this fair is because it is in a really popular university town you can buy and sell books and find books about almost anything.”

Among the rare items up for grabs was a manuscript inventory and letter book for the former Radcliffe Infirmary, from the 1840s, costing £495.

A collection of fine engravings of Oxford colleges in the Oxonia Illustrata, published 1675, was selling at £12,500.

A Cornerstone of Arctic Exploration, edited by Ernest Shackleton, Louis Bernacchi and Apsley Cherry-Garrard, was also for sale.

Mr Lintern-Mole added: “We have got exhibitors from all over the country – Scotland, Durham and Cornwall.

“People can bring back something for as little as two or three pounds to as much as 20 to 30 thousand, but sales this year have been really good.”

At the event book dealer Peter Hill showcased a rare collector's item – an exact reproduction of the South Polar Times magazine issued during Scott’s Antarctic expeditions, carrying a price tag of £12,500.

Among the numerous book dealers was London-based Peter Harrington, whose specialisms include travel, military and naval books.

Kent-based Adrian Harrington, who specialises in first editions, children’s books, Winston Churchill, Ian Fleming and Arthur Conan Doyle, also set up stall with a number of collectibles.

The fair, held continuously in Oxford every year since the 1970s, is expected to make a return next year, organisers said.