An independent book shop has been named as one of the best in the UK.

City Books in Western Road, Hove, has been shortlisted for the independent book seller of the year award in the 2006 British Book Trade Awards.

More than 500 independent book sellers were nominated for the award by customers, authors, publishers and book sellers.

The entries were judged on the standard of shop fitting, range of stock, helpfulness and knowledge of staff, overall atmosphere, buying judgement, customer service and new initiatives.

City Books, which has been run by couple Paul and Inge Sweetman for 21 years, is up against shops in Petersfield, Hampshire, and Colchester, Essex, in the South-East region category.

The winners of the six regional awards, to be announced next month, will make up the shortlist that goes through to the finals.

The overall winner, decided by a panel of judges, will be announced at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 9, at Bournemouth International Centre.

Thursday, March 23, 2006