A NORTHALLERTON store has beaten some of the biggest names in the business to take a national award.

Barkers Home on Yafforth Road won the award for its choice and display of items such as candles, picture frames and doorstops, as well as its customer care and marketing of stock.

It triumphed at the Greats Gift Retailer Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane, London, eclipsing renowned department stores, including John Lewis of Oxford Street, London, Fenwick in Colchester and Newcastle, and Bentalls in Kingston upon Thames.

They were awarded Best Department Store Retailer of Gifts at the prestigious awards, which are now in their 15th year.

The award comes just a year after Barkers Home underwent a £3m redevelopment to create a luxurious lifestyle store.