A PENRITH bookshop is celebrating its shortlisting in the British Book Awards 2024.

The British Book Awards 2024 Independent Bookshop of the Year named the regional and country finalists on February 22.

Verey Books is celebrating recognition as one of the best indie bookshops in the North region.

In the largest cohort yet, 77 independent bookshops have been selected across nine different regions and countries as finalists for the awards.

News and Star: Verey BooksVerey Books (Image: Supplied)

The bookshops will compete to win their region first, which will be announced on March 12, before contending for the overall prize, announced at The British Book Awards winner ceremony at Grosvenor House on May 13. 

Owner of Verey Books, Al Verey, said: "It is so exciting to be nominated as a finalist for a Nibbie. We are a relatively new kid on the block and I still can’t quite believe that my dream bookshop has not only become a reality but is now in the running for an award! It’s a great honour and reflects all the hard work, passion and love that has gone into the project. Thank you very much!"

The 2024 North England finalists for The British Book Awards 2024 Independent Bookshop of the Year are:

Forum Books, Corbridge

Sam Read Bookseller, Grasmere

The West Kirby Bookshop, Wirral

House of Books & Friends, Manchester

Drake – The Bookshop, Stockton-On-Tees

Kemps General Store Ltd, Malton

Truman Books Ltd, Leeds

Pritchards Bookshop, Liverpool

Wave of Nostalgia, Haworth

Verey Books, Penrith