A BORDERS store has been named the Best Small Shop in the UK.

Mainstreet Trading in St Boswells beat off competition from hundreds of other independent retailers to be crowned champions today in Westminster.

Today's win marks a memorable tenth birthday for the the bookshop, café, deli and homeware shop.

John Lamont MP was in the Houses of Parliament to congratulate Mainstreet owners Bill and Rosamund de la Hey.

He said: “This is a hugely well-deserved award for Rosamund and Bill who have worked tirelessly over the past ten years to make Mainstreet Trading such a success.

“It’s also a great reflection on the Scottish Borders that we now have the best small shop in the UK, a point I shall make sure I keep repeating at every opportunity.”

Organised by the Independent Retailers Confederation, the competition is sponsored by booost, the brand new loyalty, gift and promotions app.

The IRC, a collection of trade associations representing independent retailers, selected the best 25 small shops from public nominations to create a shortlist.

Mainstreet Trading won the award due to their entrepreneurial activities, their work within the communities and innovation in their business.