A NORTH Yorkshire deli celebrating its 25th birthday this year has been chosen as one of the top 20 small shops in Britain.

Hunters of Helmsley, based in Helmsley’s Market Place, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Best Small Shops Competition 2015, after being chosen by an independent panel of judges from hundreds of entries.

Husband and wife team Chris and Christine Garnett, who own the deli, will now attend an event at the House of Commons on Wednesday, February 25 where the overall winner will be decided.

The Best Small Shops competition is run by the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group and administered by the Independent Retailers Confederation.

Hunters of Helmsley impressed the judges with its wide range of products, commitment to supporting local producers, its innovative approach to partnerships and the key role the retailer played in setting up the Helmsley in Business group, which now has 50 members working together to promote the town for the benefit of all local businesses.

Mrs Garnett said: “We were astounded and absolutely delighted to make the final 20, especially as we are one of only two businesses in Yorkshire to make the shortlist.

“We love food and drink, and we love to make our customers happy, so that’s at the forefront of everything we do.

“We’ve very lucky that we have so many fantastic producers on our doorstep, along with a very supportive local community and local business network.”

Elite Meat, a butcher, bakery and farm shop in Starbeck, Harrogate, also made the shortlist.

The full shortlist of 20 shops is available at www.bestsmallshops.uk.