A PRODUCT design company based in Pickering has been highly commended at the Gift Of The Year for its first ever book.

That Company Called If, which is known for its book-related accessories, such as bookmarks and lights, produced Calvert’s Guide To The British, a humorous guide to British stereotypes, with artwork by acclaimed illustrator Tim Bulmer.

John Calvert, the book’s director, said: “We are delighted to have received such recognition for our book. It is fun, quirky and portrays stereotypes that everyone can identify with, so it really is the ideal gift for anyone who is difficult to buy for.”

Celebrity chefs, life coaches, BBC news correspondents, WAGs, minor royals and politicians are among 200 characters satirised in the intriguing guide book.

It was a finalist in the Made In The UK category, shortlisted alongside candles from Wax Lyrical and a range of table mats and coasters from Bluebell33.