A COFFEE shop and bistro in North Yorkshire has become one of the first to collect a certificate of excellence from the Real Coffee Society.

The accolade identifies Sam's Coffee Shop and Bistro, in Leyburn marketplace, as one of the best coffee places in Britain and it will be shortlisted for further awards this year.

The certificate is the first stage of a programme organised by the society to reward excellence not only in the coffee, but also in the way it is served and in the atmosphere of the outlet.

Sam's Coffee Shop and Bistro manager Graham Turner was delighted to receive the certificate and was pleased that the coffee served there encouraged the judges to want to come back for seconds.