A publisher of forgotten fiction and lost authors has moved its offices to Malvern.

Handheld Press, formerly based in Bath, is set to publish their last books in June and July 2024, while trading will continue until June 2025.

Its new offices are on Peachfield Road in the town.

The company, which brings back into circulation distinct and unique books, has a focus on unearthing lost works by female writers.

Read more: Petrol prices: Asda is most expensive supermarket for fuel

The company was launched in 2017 by Kate Macdonald, channelling inspiration from the Women’s Press, Virago Press and Persephone Books.

Several rediscovered titles have been given a fresh lease of life by the publisher, such as What Not, the 1919 work by Rose Macaulay.

The publication has also been credited for the re-emergence of Sylvia Townsend Warner’s Kingdoms of Elfin (1977), which even received praise from renowned fantasy author, Neil Gaiman.

Company director Kate Macdonald said: "Handheld has had a terrific seven years, mostly in Bath, but the time has come to make changes in where we work and what we’re doing with the business.

"Moving to Malvern made sense on so many levels, and we’re looking forward to integrating with the community here.

"I’ve signed up as a volunteer with Malvern Welcomes, and we’ve enjoyed some good games at the Eight Sixes board games club."

By July 2024, the publisher will have published 48 books and represented over 80 overlooked authors.

The company has been recognised by the Times Literary Supplement, the Washington Post, The Times, The Guardian, the London Review of Books, the Daily Mail, the Morning Star, and Red magazine.

In June the company will publish Tatting and Mandolinata by Faith Compton Mackenzie, and The Gulls Fly Inland, a 1930s romantic thriller by Sylvia Thompson.

Ms Macdonald added: "Our last titles will ensure that Handheld goes out with a bang.

"I’ll be giving online talks about both these books, for the Guildhall Library London and Westminster Libraries, and in August and November I’ll be giving talks at the Malvern Book Cooperative."

2025 will mark the final chapter of the company's publishing journey.

Ms MacDonald concluded: "It’s been a great journey, and seeing the enthusiasm from our delighted readers for these marvellous authors has made it all worthwhile."