A North Yorkshire store has been named the outstanding independent Grocery Retailer of the Year. 

R Campbell and Sons of Leyburn carried off the top prize at a glittering ceremony in London at the Bestway Awards, the UK's largest independent food and drink wholesaler. 

The event celebrated the outstanding achievements and business successes from independent retailers up and down the country. The aim was to shine a light on those who go above and beyond in providing excellent service to customers.

Bestway said the award was presented to Campbell's of Leyburn in recognition of it as a family-owned supermarket and world-class wine retailer that has been meeting the needs, and exceeding the expectations, of people who live in, and visit, the area since 1868.

A spokesperson added: "Owned and run by Kath Campbell, along with store manager, Richard Walker, the store serves as a destination store for residents in the surrounding area and beyond, with customers travelling for many miles to enjoy its inspirational grocery offering.

"The store proactively supports local Yorkshire farmers, artisan, and specialist food manufacturers, whilst catering equally diligently for the increasingly cosmopolitan tastes of its local customers and visitors.

"The store has one of the widest selection of wines in the region, an impressive selection of spirits and ales and a thriving Wine Club. Its traditional butchers pride itself on sourcing local and rare breeds' meat, and its delicatessen and cheese counters offer exceptional selections of local, national and international products."

Bestway Wholesale managing director, Dawood Pervez added: "I would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Kath, Richard and the team on winning this award as the store is a beacon to all independent grocery retailers. As one of Wensleydale’s oldest businesses, Campbell's is a supermarket which is absolutely at the heart of its local community.

“Here at Bestway Wholesale we have a profound commitment to growing together and supporting the local communities we serve, and retailers such as Kath and her team are a shining example of how we can make that possible, both now and in the future."

Kath said: "I’m overwhelmed to be awarded Grocery Retailer of the Year at the Bestway Awards for our store. When we found out we had been nominated for this, we were over the moon that our store had been recognised as one of the best independent grocery retailers in the country.

"To then win the category against such strong competition was incredibly humbling and we are truly delighted. For us, this award gives credit to all of our store team members, our suppliers, and our loyal customers."