Surbiton’s Regency Bookshop has been named independent bookshop of the year by The Bookseller.

The Victoria Road shop is a first-time winner.

Co-owner Pat Freestone-Bayes said she thought the accolade was due to the “personal service” the shop offers.

She said: “I think it’s probably the service that we offer, both to our customers and the schools that we supply.

“They know they can rely on us for a recommendation.

“I think we’ve become a real part of the community.

“That’s brought in a younger generation. Catching little ones when they’re budding readers is the key.”