An animal physiotherapist with a love of literature is fundraising for a free little library in her front garden.

Joanne Boddy, of Frimley Gardens, was inspired by a US trend for mini libraries to fundraise with UK charity the Little Free Library Project for a library in Mitcham.

Crafted from a wooden box with an inner book shelf accessed by a transparent door, Mrs Boddy hopes to install the little library in August if £200 required to fund the project is raised.

Decorated by illustrator Emma Scutt in a design inspired by Victorian textiles designer William Morris, anyone will be able take, borrow or donate books to the library.

Mrs Boddy, 42, said: "It's not to take the place of a local library, it's to widen the appeal of reading and create a sense of local community and sharing."

The mother-of-two, who already has a stack of books ready to fill the box, said there will be a range of genres, adult and children's fiction on offer.

To donate to the project, visit the fundraising page at kickstarter.com.