A beloved local book shop in Maldon High Street has been shortlisted for a national competition to be crowned 'Independent Bookshop of the Year'.

Maldon Books was selected as one of 59 independent bookshops from across the UK and Ireland as a finalist for The British Book Awards' independent book store accolade.

Olivia Rosenthall, owner of Maldon Books, told Nub News she was 'ecstatic' about the news.

She said: "It's an amazing feeling - we're absolutely over the moon!

"To be recognised alongside so many fantastic independent bookshops that we know and love is a true honour."

Olivia's store will go up against Norwich's 'Bookbugs and Dragon Tales' and Huntingdon's 'Niche Comics & Bookshop' in the East of England region. It will first have to beat its rivals to contend for the overall prize, which will be announced at The British Book Awards on May 15.

The regional and country winners of the Independent Bookshop of the Year Award will be announced on Thursday 16 March.

"We are truly so grateful to all of our customers and anyone who has paid us a visit since we opened."

Asked what she felt independent book shops can offer that chain stores do not, Olivia said: "Independents strive to give their customers the best experience they can offer, whether that's by giving customers a personal recommendation or organising special events for their community.

"They do whatever they can to make your time browsing a pleasurable experience.

"We're not able to give the same kind of discounts as the big chains, and we're so aware of how difficult it can be to support your local bookshop in the current cost of living crisis, but we are truly so grateful to all of our customers and anyone who has paid us a visit since we opened.

Maldon Books opened in the High Street in December 2019. (Photo: Maldon Books)

Opening a bookshop shortly before a global pandemic presented Olivia with totally unprecedented challenges for her new business.

She continued: "There were many moments in the lockdowns when we weren't sure if we would be able to open again, but we were overwhelmed with support from our fantastic local community and book lovers up and down the country.

"They have truly kept us going in such difficult periods, and it has meant everything to us."

The British Book Awards has been the leading awards for the book trade since 1990, and is regarded as "the BAFTAs of the book trade". Olivia and her team hope to attend the awards in May.

Read more

• Maldon District: Councillor not standing for re-election in May, but wants 'good and decent people' to 'step up' and represent their community
• Maldon District: Papa John's High St storefront, 5 houses in Burnham, 18 new houses in Woodham Mortimer approved, and 7 more planning applications near you
• Maldon: SARK Restaurant raises over £17,000 in ONE DAY for Turkey earthquake appeal, thanks to support from public