An independent bookshop in Penrith has been named one of the best greeting card retailers in the UK.
Delighted owner Evonne Pearson of The Hedgehog Bookshop in Little Dockray attended The Retas Awards in London.
Hedgehog was shortlisted in the national awards in the category for best independent book store retailing greetings cards.
She was up against finalists from South London, Dorset, Hertfordshire, North Yorkshire and South West London, and won.
Evonne and her husband Irving, now of Blencow, took on the business in 2017. Mum of two Evonne said: “It was a fantastic day and a big shock but we are over the moon to have won this award in our category.
“I am very passionate about our bookshop and this goes for everything we do, including the wide selection of greeting cards that we choose for our customers.”
The shop’s selection of cards ranges from biodegradable ones and those made entirely from consumer waste which are embedded with wild flowers and seeds and printed with vegan-friendly ink, to award-winning bespoke cards; 3D pop-ups; scenic views of the Lake District; illustrated cards; and an extensive selection for children.
Shortlisted earlier this year, Evonne, originally from Little Salkeld, said: “I’m particular about our greetings cards. I like them to be different and I like to offer things other people have not got.
“We have locals and visitors who come here just for the cards. I like a nice card that’s completely different.
“A lot of meaning goes into cards and whenever I choose one I always think that it will suit someone in particular. We go twice a year to buy and get new cards to keep things fresh and new.”
