DOZENS of residents got in the spirit at Mitcheldean Community Library's first birthday celebrations.

A good crowd of people came along to support members of the library, who last autumn took over the running of the library from Gloucestershire County Council. A little boy showed his love of the Black Dog story by the Ruardean born illustrator and writer, Levi Pinfold, by getting his face painted as the black dog. Meanwhile, there was music, stalls, community fundraising and an appearance from Mitcheldean Ladies Football who are looking for new players.

The library also tied their birthday celebrations with the recent £500 grant that Levi donated to them after winning the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal back in August.

Chairman of the library cooperative, Andrew Maliphant said: "It was a great event and we had lots going on to celebrate. As a library we aim to go strength from strength and the more volunteers we get to help the increased likelihood of our success. In the last year we have had a lot of support from the public and not forgetting the generous donation from Levi which we have used to buy copies of his book as well as boost our non-fiction books stock."