A 30-year-old bookshop has been named as runner-up in the Independent Bookshop of the Year Award.

Epping Bookshop will be presented with their prize at the British Book Industry Awards ceremony held in Cambridge next month.

Since it opened on the high street in 1979 the shop has attracted hundreds of customers and now has a 12,000 strong email database.

It supports the Essex Book Festival and runs regular events in the community including a reading group for toddlers.

Entries for the award, organised by Publishing News, were judged based on range of stock, helpfulness, knowledge of staff, overall shop atmosphere, creativity and customer service.

Lorna Clark, who has owned the bookshop since it opened said: "We are absolutely delighted to be runner-up this year and our success is entirely due to the support of our local customers who appreciate the personal service we have always given."