AN independent High Street shop which dedicates itself to all things vintage, curious and collectable has been shortlisted to compete to find Britain’s best dressed shop window.

The Red House in Bedale, which prides itself on scouring the country for the unusual and downright gorgeous is one of 20 shops around the UK selected by Save the High Street for the competition.

Voting is starting this week through SaveTheHighStreet.org with the public asked to cast their votes for their favourite.

Janet Stevens of The Red House said: “Save the High Streets industry wide initiative to promote and support independent retailers is helping to give small bricks and mortar shops and businesses a voice.

"Our market place in Bedale and other main shopping streets up and down the country are great community hubs which should be valued.

"Independent shops add personality and character to villages, towns and cities providing a sense of place that the big retailers just can’t create .

"It’s our high streets and independent shops, cafes, pubs & restaurants that help create the literal heart of our communities.

"We’re thrilled to be in the running for this national best dressed shop window competition. Shop window displays are so important for small businesses like ours to make people stop and draw customers into the shop. We always try to create displays that are a unusual and put a smile on peoples faces ."