Book-ish in Crickhowell has won the title of Best Independent Bookshop 2016 for Wales and the Midlands.

The region was hotly contested, with the highest number of Welsh bookshops in the awards history making the shortlist. Judges commended Book-ish as being ‘a small shop that punches well above its weight’.

Book-ish was opened in October 2010 by Emma Corfield-Walters, who previously was the managing director of surveying business Core Surveys. Over the past five years the shop has gained a reputation for excellent customer service, community-driven projects and literary events. They founded the Crickhowell Literary Festival and Totally Locally alongside other town businesses.

Emma said, “We’re over the moon to win this award, it really was a shock to get through in the face of stiff competition from other excellent indie booksellers. We’ve worked really hard over the past five years to establish Book-ish on the High Street at a time when many other bookshops around the country are closing their doors. A lot of people have been part of our success especially our loyal customers and my very supportive family.”

Book-ish will now compete against six other independents across the UK and Ireland for the prestigious national title which will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony in London on May 9.