A BOOKSHOP in Porthmadog and a Criccieth hair salon have been named the best in the country at a national awards ceremony.

Sian and Ben Cowper were in Cardiff last week to pick up their ‘Bookshop of the year’ accolade at the Welsh Independent Retail Awards.

Starting in 1976 – initially with a stock of only 16 books – Browsers Bookshop has always been a firm favourite for bibliophiles in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd.

Sian was understandably delighted with the award and was quick to praise other finalists.

“We won and are absolutely thrilled,” she told the Cambrian News.

“It was a smashing event celebrating the best of local business and we were really pleased to see so many other businesses from Gwynedd in the finals – Gwin Llyn, The Fishmongers and Hardy’s Garage from Pwllheli to name just a few.

“Moncrieffe Hair And Beauty in Criccieth were also winners in their category.”

The awards evening however, did not all go strictly according to plan.

“Meinir, of Moncrieffe Hair and Beauty, was unable to attend due to personal reasons but we have collected her trophy for her,” Sian continued.

“Hers is safe in our luggage but my husband managed to drop ours on the way out of the venue – a smashing night indeed!”

A smashed award is not the first upset the couple have overcome.

“We have weathered several recessions, the collapse of the Net Book Agreement, petrol shortages, Foot and Mouth, the threat of VAT, back of lorry book touters, the phantom scribbler, the internet and, no doubt, the threats and challenges will go on and on. For as long as we’ve been in business the imminent end of books has been predicted,” Sian added.

“But as long as we are able to we shall continue. So long as books are written and read and as long as independent stores are cherished.

“We’ve come a long way since 1976. We are now a second generation in Browsers Bookshop, Porthmadog.

"We’ve worked hard. We’ve had luck, we’ve had some help. But above all we’ve had, and couldn’t have done anything without, some truly wonderful, supportive, loyal, encouraging and knowledgeable customers both within the local community around us and from beyond.

“‘Diolch yn fawr iawn’ to them all.”