A HOMEWARE and gift shop in York is in the running for a prestigious award.

Independent retailer Walter and May, on Scarcroft Road, just off Bishopthorpe Road, has been selected as a finalist in Best Newcomer category of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2019.

Owner Beth Elsdon opened the business just nine months ago and this is the second time she has reached the final of a retail award, the first being Best Retail Window Awards in December last year.

Beth, 35, of Dringhouses, who named the business after her children, supports UK independent designers and brands, showcasing home décor and gifts from many local businesses in the shop and online.

She said: "It’s such an honour to even reach the final having been in business for less than a year. It’s a real boost to me and the businesses I work with to know the judges have seen something special in us."

Beth decided to take her online shop to the high street last year to give customers the chance to see the quality and design of products up close.

She added: “High street retail is tough, but there is no substitute to touching and feeling a product and speaking to customers about the designers who make the products."

The winners of this year’s The Greats Gift Retailer Awards will be revealed in London on May 15.