THE latest contender for The Press Shop Of The Year award has been described as a “little slice of heaven that is shaking up the perception that second hand clothes are cheap and nasty.”

Get Your Frocks Off, in Goodramgate, York, has been nominated by several customers who admire the caring service and attitude of owner Jacey Lamerton.

Allison Daniel, of Birch Park, Huntington, said the shop, which moved to the city centre from Micklegate earlier this year, was “fantastic” and “full of beautiful items, all at frugalista prices.”

She said: “The shop owner, Jacey Lamerton, is friendly, fun and really helps to put you at ease. She is really shaking up the perception that having second hand clothes is cheap and nasty – not the case in this little slice of heaven.”

Joanne Bull, of Park Lane, Holgate, said: “In this present climate, I feel that the owner has capitalised on a niche in the market.

“Sell your nearly-new clothes to new homes and you get a split of the sale price – you don’t need to do anything more than drop it off in the shop. The owner Jacey is so enthusiastic about the concept and is always welcoming.”

Sharron Harris, of Herne Bay, Kent, said: “On a recent visit to York, I was very impressed with the attitude and caring service of the owner. She also had a vast range of good quality designer clothes and her shop is of the high standard that I expect to find in York.”

The shop of the year contest, intended to boost the retail sector, was launched recently as part of The Press York Means Business campaign, which aims to support and promote local businesses through the global recession.

We are asking readers to nominate their favourite shop – and also shopkeepers to nominate their own business - because of the exceptional quality of service.

The winners will enjoy the fabulous prize of a luxury night for two at York’s Dean Court Hotel, followed by a champagne breakfast.

They will then be whisked to York Racecourse in a limo from White Stretch Limousines to attend The Press’s Family Raceday on Sunday, September 6, where the shop owners can be joined by members of their staff.