A SMALL market town bookshop has recieved an award in a nationwide competition.

Ottakars, in Northallerton, opened only 16 months ago but has already been named Shop of the Year. Beating off competition from stores more than five times its size, manager Roger Cole said it was a remarkable achievement.

"We have been awarded the title for our creative displays and enthusiastic staff and for the rapid sales growth since the store's first anniversary in November," he said.

"However, the public have played the biggest part in our success - I believe that if they didn't like the store then they would vote with their feet. We feel like we are very much part of the town now and have a strong link with the local people."

The store was presented with a Tin-Tin statue, designed by the company's managing director James Heneage, and £3,000 cash.