Rossiter Books, which only opened in the town last year has been shortlisted for the Independent Bookseller of the Year, sponsored by Gardners, in the Midlands and Wales region.

The winner of this region, which includes a book shop in Derbyshire as well as Chepstow Bookshop in Monmouthshire will be announced at the beginning of April and will go forward to the shortlist for the overall UK Independent Bookseller of the Year. The overall winner will be announced at the Bookseller Industry Awards at London's Park Lane Hilton on May16th.

Neill Denny, editor in chief at The Bookseller, said: "The sheer volume of entries, which were at a remarkably high standard, show the independent sector can not only survive but thrive in what has been an incredibly difficult year for bricks and mortar retail."

Andy Rossiter told the Ross Gazette that he is surprised and delighted to have been shortlisted, especially as this is a new business which has been open for less than one year. He said:?"It is all about giving customers what they want, a good, quick service.'