It may have looked like a tornado had struck the bookshop in Queens Road, Brighton, belonging to Noel Brookes.

But it was paradise for bookworms hunting through piles of publications in the hope of stumbling across a literary gem.

Customers came from far and wide despite knowing they were more likely to find an original Shakespeare folio than engage the taciturn Mr Brookes in conversation.

Passers-by are still fascinated, with many stopping to gaze into the now-abandoned shop.

But it is sad that such a familiar face as Mr Brookes has disappeared after 30 years.

Despite his shop's appearance of utter confusion, he could find a book in seconds flat.

Now book-lovers will be hoping the Agatha Christie-style mystery of his disappearance can be solved and they might be able to step inside the chaos and browse again.