11,500-pound fine for book returned to library after 79 years waived

Library staff have waived an 11,500-pound fine for a book that was not returned for an astonishing 79 years.

The novel 'Master of Men' was taken out from Leicester County Library in 1934 and never returned, the Mirror reported.

Keith Dolphin, 64, found the book during a house clearance and was amazed to see the library ticket still inside.

The date it had to be returned by - May 28, 1934 - was printed on the ticket but no return stamp next to it.

Leicestershire County Council said if they charged the maximum amount per day, the fine would be 11,534 pounds.

However their current maximum late return fine is 7 pounds - so they have decided to waive the mammoth charge.

It is not known who originally took the book out from the library, which has since shut down.