SHE may already be the oldest bookseller in the country, but 87-year-old Barbara Steel has vowed to carry on working until she reaches her 100th birthday.

Barbara was already past retirement age when she started working at The Grove Bookshop in Ilkley and now she is celebrating 25 years on the shop floor.

The energetic pensioner has promised to carry on going for as long as she can before writing the final chapter of her working life.

She said: "I have been devoted to books all of my life, so can you imagine anything better than carrying on working? It keeps me fit and active and I love doing it."

Despite approaching her tenth decade, the sprightly octogenarian still works two days every week at the well-known independent bookstore in Ilkley.

And she even puts in a full-time shift when the annual Ilkley Literature Festival takes over the town.

Barbara spent her "original" working life as a PA with Shell Petroleum and on the Cambridge University appointments board and later volunteered for Meals on Wheels and Oxfam.

She revealed that she only ended up working at The Grove by accident and had enjoyed it so much she stayed for a quarter of a century - so far.

"I didn't want to retire. I thought 25 years ago that no-one would want to employ a woman in her 60s, but I was wrong.

"My friend owned the shop at that time and I came in to see her one day when it was really busy. I commented on it and she said 'get your coat off and help' and I've stayed ever since.

"They had it until 15 years ago. I was 72 when the new owner, Kevin Ramage, came in. I told him I would understand if he wanted to get rid of me.

"He said age doesn't matter at all and kept me on. I've forbidden Kevin from getting rid of me now! I would be happy to work to 100 if I'm fit enough.

"It helps me stay young. I say to people get out and about and do something - don't just sit on your bottom. It is a lovely job because you get to interact with the customers.

"I have been here a long time and a lot of people know me, so they are more like friends than customers and that is how we treat them. People tell us they come in because they like the chat."

The Grove's manager, Mike Sansbury, said: "Barbara has got more energy than the rest us put together. She has always kept herself busy.

"She's a great example to anyone who is getting on a bit and maybe thinks they are past it. They only need to see Barbara still going strong behind the counter to know there is hope for everyone.

"She does a bit of everything really. She's a part of the team like everyone else."

Kevin Ramage, who also owns The Watermill Bookshop in Aberfeldy, Perthshire, said: "We'd love Barbara to keep working for us for as long as she can and as long as she is enjoying it. She is an amazing asset."

Barbara said: "I get to meet lovely authors like Bill Bryson and I get to read lots of books which I love. Can you imagine anything better?"