A FAMILY-owned Northallerton department store has beaten off some of the biggest names on the high street to win a top retail award.

Barkers was named best department store retailer of greeting cards at the greeting card retailing awards – known as the Retas - at a ceremony in London’s Dorchester Hotel.

All the winners in the retail categories were arrived at as a result of huge nationwide nomination process.

Barkers greeting card department was given a revamp two years ago and moved closer to the front door and, as a result, sales have gone up by more than 30 per cent.

The award was collected by Sarah Lishman, who runs the greeting card department after starting s a Saturday girl 12 years ago.

Barkers, a prominent name on Northallerton High Street since 1882, was shortlisted along with department store giants John Lewis and Fenwicks.

Managing director Charles Barker said: “Our greeting card department isn’t big but it has become a real success story because the sales have tripled and it is very popular with customers.

“That is, in no small part, thanks to Sarah. She knows all the best card publishers and loves to help customers find the right card.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have won and it is even more special that we have beaten off competition from some of the most famous, nationally renowned department stores.”