A Brighton community publisher has received an unexpected windfall from a respected historian.
The £1,000 donation will help QueenSpark Books with its local history and writing projects.
The money came from Professor Dorothy Sheridan, the former archivist and director of the Mass Observation Archive at Sussex University.
Professor Sheridan said: “I’ve got an enduring passion for Queenspark Books.
“It’s a real community initiative and has been hugely important in recording the memories and histories of the people of Brighton and Hove.
“It is a unique organisation and I hope my donation helps to support its inspiring work.”
QueenSpark thanked Professor Sheridan by presenting her with a copy of its latest book, Backstage Brighton, which explores the history of theatre in Brighton and Hove.
Professor Sheridan, Honorary Professor of History at Sussex University, hopes that now she has retired she might be able to work more closely with QueenSpark Books.
Next year is QueenSpark’s 40th anniversary and it is thought to be the oldest community publisher in the country.