AN independent book shop which is "bringing books to the people" has been chosen as one of ten in the country to receive a special award for work with the community.

The HarperCollins Indie Development Fund has named the Castle Hill Bookshop in Richmond as one of their winners. It will be receiving £2,000 to spend on improving access to books and reading.

Bookseller Carol Watson said their plan now is to run more pop-up bookshops in areas of Swaledale, Wensleydale and Catterick Garrison. It was their mobile bookshops which helped them win the award in the first place.

Ms Watson said: “We are really thrilled to get this award, it will help a lot in the work we are doing. It will give us an opportunity to extend the pop up bookshops which we started last year, going to Leyburn, Bedale and Reeth.

“It means a lot to have this kind of recognition, and it is so important to be able to do more outreach, and we can discount some of the books.

"We have also been taking books to schools, during World Book Week so this again will help.

“We believe it is crucial. Unless you are lucky enough to live in Richmond many people won’t have a bookshop on their doorstep.

"With the pop-ups we can take the books to the people, then they can browse because sometimes until you see a book in front of you, you won’t know you might like to read it."

She added: “This award will be a big help, our next pop-up will be at the Reeth Table Top sale on April 22."

HarperCollins said more than 50 independent bookshops applied for the awards with the winning ten showing impressive connections and engagement with the community .