A FINE food store is celebrating a hat-trick of awards at a ceremony recognising the best local shops.

Presented at a gala dinner in Harrogate, the awards acknowledged the best local shops and produce in North Yorkshire, with nominations made by customers.

The Local Shops Awards were organised by the Yorkshire Independent Grocers Association and had a range of categories including Best Post Office and Best Newsagent, as well as individual awards for owners and managers.

Lewis and Cooper, of Northallerton, whose Christmas pudding was last year voted the best in the country, won three of the 18 awards. Fabrice Marcotullio was named Manager of the Year, Helen Thompson Trainee of the Year, and the store was named Best Retailer of Yorkshire for food and drink.

General Manager Tony Howard said: "It is recognition for the hard work we put in to look after the public - it is nice to think we are doing it right."

The ceremony took place in the Pavilions, on the Yorkshire Agricultural Society's showground. Several shops were shortlisted for each title and winners were chosen by the event's sponsors, which included the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and the Bank of Scotland.

Nick and Zoe Hood were named Best Local Newsagents. They took over a village shop in Castleton only five months ago.

"We encourage local producers and craft makers to sell their goods in the shop. We have local honey, organic vegetables and hand-made cards and the customers seem to like that," said Mr Hood.

"Winning best newsagent really put things into perspective and made us realise that each aspect of the service we provide is important to the customers. Its a tremendous honour for us."

Association secretary Peter Brant said the awards were likely to be an annual event.

"It is the only award in the food retail trade that is from the people that matter, the customers, which really gives out a strong message that we want to continue."

Yorkshire Dales Beef in Bedale, Gillamoor village shop, Barton post office, Elijah Allen and Wensleydale Creamery, both in Hawes, also received awards.