A highlight of this weekend in Penarth has been Griffin Books fifth birthday celebration which took place on Sunday.

The shop was stocked up with cake and Prosecco as locals popped in throughout the day to join in with the celebrations and praise the community focused bookshop.

Mel Griffin, the owner, was on hand to chat to locals about how the past five years have gone.

A customer told Mel Griffin: ''Although we don't get here much we just wanted to come in and say congratulations.

''We think the store is a wonderful asset to the community and we are very happy to see it here.

''We often hear about your events and wish we could attend more.''

The heart of Griffin Books is found in its local, independent presence.

Staff are always on hand, as they were when we visited, to recommend a novel and give advice on what is available.

You can really sense the literary interest behind the scenes in Griffin Books.

They have an extensive knowledge of what is on offer in-store as well as a service to order in books that customers want outside of their supplies.

Nub News spoke to Mel Griffin about the store's anniversary.

What have the past five years been like for Griffin Books?

''I keep saying this because it is so true. It's simultaneously flown by but it's also felt like I've been here for a lifetime,'' said Mel.

''Coming from a big conglomerate company, it's been really nice to be my own boss. This has been a dream of mine for a long time.''

The journey of Griffin Books started when Mel Griffin was a teenager. She worked a Saturday job in her local bookshop, and she had always hoped she would one day be able to run her own.

Mel Griffin explained: ''After nearly 30 years working in a global IT corporation, I was finally able to realise my dream, five years ago, when I bought the shop.''

''I thought to myself, I don't want to retire in this atmosphere and I had always wanted to open a bookshop in Penarth.''

''I actually walked into the store when it was still the Windsor Bookshop and asked them when they might consider selling.

''To my surprise they were actually ready to have that conversation and it all fell into place.

''They wanted to retire but also wanted to ensure that the store was kept as a bookshop.

''For me it has been a dream come true.''

Griffin Books regularly holds events in Penarth including the popular local literature festival, which was held at the beginning of the summer.

They also run book clubs as well as reading groups and activities for children.

Keep your eye out on our 'What's On' section for their events - including Sam Warburton's upcoming book signing.

Griffin Books website is available by clicking the red button below.