A NORTH Yorkshire independent shop has been crowned a winner in the national Shop of the Year 2020 awards.

The Guild of Fine Food celebrated independent retailers on Monday as the competition reached its finale.

Established to recognise and promote excellence in independent retail, the rigorously-judged accreditation scheme presented six trophies at Fodder Farm Shop and Café in Harrogate.

Following two rounds of judging, which included an announced visit from an expert judge and a mystery shop by customer experience specialists, Insight6, he Courtyard Dairy in North Yorkshire scooped best Specialist Cheese Shop.

Judges said The Courtyard Dairy demonstrated a “dedication to cheese with no compromise on sourcing” and the judges praised owner, Andy Swinscoe’s sense of adventure and ethos.