A butcher famed across Norfolk for his charity book sales will celebrate 40 years of fundraising with his next big event.

Semi-retired shopkeeper Ali Dent, from Hilgay near Downham Market, will host his latest book sale for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) on Sunday, October 27.

Dent's book sales are held twice a year at the village hall and have raised £200,000 for a number of fantastic causes since he launched them in the 1980s.

“It all started when I was doing my rounds and delivering meat to an old lady, who mentioned she had lots of books she was looking to get rid of,” said Mr Dent, now 66.

“She asked if I knew anyone who might want them.

Ali Dent pictured with books he had collected and helpers in 2004Ali Dent pictured with books he had collected and helpers in 2004 (Image: John Hocknell)

“I said I’d take them off her hands, and that’s where the idea for a book sale first came from.

“I asked for donations, and as word spread I was suddenly inundated with boxes."

Ali's cousin, Des Dent, stores the books in his garage in Hilgay, while his wife Lesley is in charge of sorting them. 

“Des and Lesley deserve special mention as they’ve helped so much over the last 20 years, especially when I had an arrhythmia, when I was 40," said Mr Dent.

"They helped get things going again, and Lesley still does the lion’s share of sorting.

“There’s always a buzz on the day, and they can make anything from £2,000 to £10,000."

Ali Dent also restores garden gnomes and ornaments to sell for charityAli Dent also restores garden gnomes and ornaments to sell for charity (Image: Chris Bishop)

A busy man, Mr Dent also turns his hand to restoring and decorating unwanted garden ornaments and gnomes.

He makes any necessary repairs and gives them a lick of acrylic paint and varnish, before selling them for EACH.

The sale is taking place at Hilgay Village Hall between 10am and 3pm on Sunday, October 27.

Donations can be dropped at Mr Dent's shop or he can be emailed via thebutcherswife@hotmail.co.uk.