A LIBRARY user has returned books to Basingstoke Discovery Centre 48 years after borrowing them.

The library, in Festival Place, received the two books, one about architecture and another titled Small Railway Engines, by The Rev. W Awdrey, who wrote the Thomas the Tank Engine books, along with a note from the person returning them.

It said: "We inadvertently took these with us when we moved as children from Basingstoke in 1972. Please accept my apology for the late return of these items."

Library staff thanked the person returning the books, named Andy, and said the lengthy borrow "must be a record", adding: "Your note really made us smile and we loved looking through them."

They said no late fees would be charged, but if they were calculated using current charges Andy would owe them £8,000.

The library reminded users that any books borrowed during lockdown will not be subject to late fees.