A BOOK shop in Beaminster has pipped all other competitors in the south west region to be named as a finalist in a bid to win a prestigious independent bookshop award.
Little Toller Books in Church Street, which opened as recent as October 2020, has been named as the only Dorset-based book store to reach the finals of the 2022 Independent Bookshop of the Year.
The Beaminster bookshop is one of 62 stores from six regions in England as well as Ireland, Scotland and Wales - chosen by The British Book Awards in the running for the best independent retailer.
Gracie Cooper, owner of Little Toller Books said: "We're thrilled and overjoyed that the bookshop has been named as a finalised for the south west because we only opened a few days before the UK's second national lockdown on November 5 2020.
"We've worked so hard during the pandemic. It’s been an extraordinary journey, I can’t believe it.
"We're only a small bookshop and the only one in Dorset to reach the south west finals, but success could makes Beaminster become a independent bookstore destination."
Ms Cooper runs a publishing firm under the same name, which was situated above an interior design shop, before taking over the space in September 2020 and transforming it into the bookstore.
"Our ethos is to sell and curate books closely connected to the themes of our own publishing - nature and culture," said Ms Cooper.
"It's a place for readers of all ages and to support the smaller independent press like our own - it’s not just about selling books.
"We hope that our small bookshop will reach the finals for the Independent Bookshop of the Year Award. It's an award that is highly coveted within the industry.
"From day one our bookshop has become a treasured place within the community."
The Independent Bookshop Regional and Country Winners, of which Little Toller Books is a southwest finalist, will be announced on March 16.
The winning finalist will form the shortlist for the Independent Bookshop of the Year Award on May 23. The overall Independent Bookshop of the Year winner will also compete to be crowned Retailer of the Year.
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