AN INDEPENDENT bookshop has been presented with a new award for excellence in retail.

The first David Doorbar Award for Inspiring Innovation and Excellence in Retail was handed to the late Richmond businessman in 2015 at the launch of the award, just months before his death.

Castle Hill Bookshop in Richmond is the second recipient of the award, and was praised for the way staff look after customers.

Mr Doorbar ran Richmond Motor Company with his wife Faye for many years.

Following the sale of the garage, he became involved in community activities, was director and chairman of Just the Job Enterprise charity and a director at Yorkshire Business Aid. He believed passionately that there were wonderful opportunities to develop Richmond into one of the most vibrant town centres in England, with an enthusiastic and successful retail sector at its heart.

Wishing to recognise the great contribution he had made to local business, the Richmond and Lower Swaledale Business Association (RLSBA) created an annual award in his honour.

On presenting the award, Mrs Doorbar said: “The whole team have long been an exceptional example of how to look after your customer. They are testament to what David always believed, that people like to buy from people and if you make it a pleasurable, efficient and outstanding experience, customers will always return."

Castle Hill Bookshop's Wendy Patch said: “Receiving the David Doorbar Award is a much appreciated recognition of our desire to give excellent customer service to local people and visitors to Richmond."

For more information on RLSBA contact chairman Marcia McLuckie at marcia@yorkshirecountryholidays.co.uk or 01748 825525.