A book shop specialising in cultural diversity and educational literature has opened new premises in Bradford.

Books & More, in Bradford Road, Shipley, claims to be the only book shop in the north that devotes all its resources to promoting cultural diversity in the school curriculum.

Owner Aamir Darr said: "There was a real gap in the market that desperately needed to be filled.

"The idea is that we produce literature that makes children feel comfortable with their cultural roots and breeds acceptance in schools."

The business, which opened in 2000, used to be based at the Carlisle Business Centre in Carlisle Road but moved to larger premises when demand grew. It now supplies books to educational institutions and libraries across the United Kingdom.

"We have thousands of educational books and we also sell books for adults including sections on politics, history and art," said Mr Darr.

Books & More also stocks unique Islamic prints, calligraphy, music, cards and textiles.

Two authors will visit the shop to read extracts from their work to schoolchildren to celebrate the opening.

Children's author Elizabeth Laird, who was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian's Children Fiction Award, will be reading from her new novel, Oranges in No Man's Land, a story about the war in Beirut through the eyes of a child.

The book is based on the author's experiences of living on the green line in Beirut in 1977. A donation of 50p will be made to Save the Children for every copy of the book sold.

British-born Asian author Bali Rai, who wrote (Un) Arranged Marriage, will also be at the launch on Friday, from 2pm to 5pm.

He will be reading from his new book, Politics Cutting through the Crap.

The book contains information for children aged 11 to 16 on how parliament works, the political system and political ideologies.

"We are also giving customers the chance to win £1,700 worth of books in a prize draw," said Mr Darr.

Customers visiting the shop during September and October can enter the draw whether they make a purchase or not.

e-mail: jennifer.sugden@bradford.newsquest.co.uk