A train station worker has raised thousands of pounds for charity by selling second-hand books to commuters.

Douglas Fennell, who worked for Southern, set up a book stall at Sanderstead rail station in 2008.

He raised money selling thousands of second-hand books to commuters and colleagues, with his co-workers continuing his good work after he retired in 2010.

The stall has now raised a total of £20,000 for Diabetes UK. 

Mr Fennell said: "I am delighted by the fundraising results of the book stall at Sanderstead station, and we have raised more money than I ever could have hoped.

"It’s fantastic to see something I set up a few years ago do so well, and I hope that all the commuters and staff at the station continue to support the stall and Diabetes UK as well as discover new books for their journey.”

Claire Williams, station manager, added: “I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved at Sanderstead. Connecting the station to its local community is high on our agenda and the bookstall provides the perfect link to passengers and residents alike."

Richard Lane, president of Diabetes UK, said: "I would like to congratulate and thank most sincerely Doug Fennell, as well as Claire Williams, the station manager, and all the wonderful staff at Sanderstead station.

"It is a fantastic achievement to have raised over £20,000 so far from the sale of second hand books for the benefit of this extremely important charity."