Bursledon bookworms are celebrating after £200,000 was earmarked for a permanent library for the village.

Eastleigh Council has set aside the cash after requests from Bursledon Community Association.

Plans are now being drawn up for a purpose-built extension to the community centre, and it could be completed by early 2006.

Local committee chairman Councillor David Airey said: "Bursledon is currently served by the county mobile library but it was clear from research and information provided by the community association that there is a demand for a permanent library to serve the area."

The county library service has agreed to stock the library and provide part-time staff.