Martyn Barr’s debut book The Young Person’s History Guide to Canterbury has hit the number one spot in the local Waterstone’s best seller chart this week, outselling all of the store’s other titles.

The popular local history guide was published last November. Sponsored by the Whitefriars shopping centre, £1 from every copy sold is being donated to Demelza Hospice Care for Children.

Commenting on his book’s success, Martyn Barr says: “It really is quite surreal to think that a children’s history guide on Canterbury is currently outselling the many tens of thousands of titles stocked by Waterstone’s, including all the latest literary blockbusters by the likes of Dan Brown, John Grisham and JK Rowling! I’m really chuffed, but the best part is, I’m that much nearer my target of raising £3,000 for Demelza.”

The 40-page softback book is available from local bookshops, museums and visitor attractions priced £5.99. Copies can also be purchased online with free delivery. An accompanying Teachers Resource Guide is also available for free download from the website.

Listen to a BBC Radio Kent interview with Martyn Barr on achieving the number one spot at Waterstone’s.

Watch the BBC TV SE report on arts spending cuts featuring an interview with Martyn Barr.