A CHEPSTOW bookshop is in the running to be named the best independent bookshop in the country.

The Chepstow Bookshop, on St Mary Street, has been included on a list of 38 stores included on regional shortlists for The Bookseller’s Independent Bookshop of the Year.

It is the only Welsh bookshop to be included on the list of six shops in the Midlands and Wales category, and the regional winner will be announced on Friday, March 14.

The regional winners will then go onto compete for the national title at The Bookseller Industry Awards at the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane in London on Monday, May 12. The winner will be given £5,000 to spend on their shop.

The store, which has been run since 2005 by husband and wife Matthew and Eleanor Taylor, won the regional contests in the 2010 and 2011 awards.

Mr Taylor said the shop will be judged on its customer service, sustainability and other events it had put on over the last year.

It recently hosted talks from Wales rugby captain Sam Warburton, astronaut Chris Hadfield and actor David Suchet.

Mr Taylor said: “Our events programme was really key (to getting the nomination). It was one of the best we have ever had.

“People want a book shop in their community and people want to support that. And we work really hard giving the best customer service we can.”