HASLEMERE Book Shop is celebrating winning through to the finals in the Independent Bookshop of the Year Awards.

A record year for submissions led to the highest ever number of entries shortlisted in the independent category of this year’s British Book Industry Awards Inependent Bookshop of the Year category, sponsored by Gardners Books.

Haslemere Book Shop was one of four that beat off stiff competition to get through to the South East and East shortlist. It went on to to win the regional finals and is now in with a chance of being named the overall winer nationally.

The book shop has gone from strength to strength since it was taken over by loyal supporters Cathy and Ian Rowley in October 2014, and now holds regular talks and signing sessions, in addition to hosting a popular ‘Where’s Wally’ hunt last year with the help of 10 Haslemere shops.

Mr Rowley told The Herald: “The overall winner will be announced at the Gala Awards Night at Grosvenor House on May 9 – we can’t wait.

“I am delighted we have reached the finals of the Independent Bookshop of the Year competition.

“It’s a great the work of the team in making the shop such an interesting and welcoming place to come and browse has been recognised.

“The shop is going from strength to strength. We are currently revamping our second-hand section and have lots more events planned, including performance poetry as part of the Haslemere Fringe and supporting Marion Dell’s exhibition on the Rise and Fall of the English Switzerland at the Haslemere Museum. It’s a very exciting time.”