Like many people, Julian Tester dreamed of what he wanted to do in life but, unlike most, he has actually gone on to make those dreams come true.

First, he completed a six-month trip to New Zealand, Australia and Singapore with partner Monica Choranji.

Then, when he returned, he set about fulfilling his ambition to open and run his own bookshop in Oxford.

It was a plan he had nurtured at the back of his mind for ten years, during which time he had amassed a vast collection of books, comics and annuals, many being signed by artists and writers, with certificates of authenticity.

In fact he had so many, he had to put them into storage until the time came to start his business.

Now aged 41, he has taken the plunge and opened his own shop, The Booklover, in Woodins Way, behind the Oxford Castle development.

Some would argue that the whole idea of opening a bookshop at a time when so many are closing due to competition from the Internet, is pure folly.

But having spent so long planning his new venture, Mr Tester is convinced there is a market for the type of collectable publications in which he specialises, as well as general titles.

These range from those featuring TV series such as Dr Who and Star Trek to special editions of works by Oxford authors including J R R Tolkien and C S Lewis.

Since he owns the premises, which are newly built, he does not have to worry about spiralling rent increases which have sounded the death knell in the past for his type of business.

The other significant point is that he has not given up his original career as a heating and ventilation design engineer.

He had been working on a freelance basis for many years and has set aside an area in the shop where he can working on his drawings.

Mr Tester said: "Consultants are still coming to see me and give me work - in fact I have been inundated.

"I am earning as much money as before and I am also running a bookshop."

This is a bonus, as setting up the bookshop business has been expensive, despite owning the premises, having his own stock and fitting out the shop himself.

But he is now living in Oxford and, as far as he is concerned, he is now home', having worked on historic buildings in Oxford for most of his career. His family originally hailed from the county, although he was born in Kent.

For this particular bookshop owner, life has never been better.

Contact: The Booklover, 01865 247356