STAFF at a delicatessen which stocks 2,000 different products are celebrating having been named the region's best independent retailer.

Former farmers Chris and Christine Garnett, who have run Hunters of Helmsley in a 90sq m grade II listed shop in the heart of the North Yorkshire market town for eight years, received the Yorkshire Life Food and Drink Award at a ceremony at Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate.

Judges commended for its wide and varied range of products, innovate approach to partnerships, customer service and helpful staff who were “never fazed”.

The accolade follows the store winning Britain’s Best Small Shop by the All-Party Parliamentary Group earlier this year.

Mr Garnett said looking far and wide for unusual products, responding to the needs of customers and trends and opening for 70 hours a week had been key to their success.

He said: “It’s always so amazing to win any award, but particularly one which has been nominated and voted for by members of the public.

"It’s an honour to work with so many fantastic local suppliers and producers and we’re very passionate about keeping trade local where we can.

"It was also fantastic to see our neighbours in Helmsley, the Black Swan, win Hotel of the Year, which is very well deserved.”