KEELHAM Farm Shop is celebrating after being named retailer of the year in the prestigious 2017 Farm Shop and Deli Awards.

The farm shop, in Gargrave Road, Skipton, was also named farm shop large retailer of the year, and regional north east winner at the ceremony held at the Birmingham NEC.

Nigel Barden, food and drink journalist and chairman of the judges, described the family owned Keelham as a 'remarkable success story' with two outlets, the original one in Thornton and now in Skipton.

"Keelham Farm Shop has been a remarkable success story with the almost purpose built Skipton outlet working in tandem with the original Thornton shop, which opened 40 years ago on the family farm," he said.

"Employing 320 people, Keelham offers a huge variety of produce from 400 Yorkshire suppliers for local shoppers and many who have travelled from far further afield."

Mr Barden continued that it was 'staggering' that 50,000 bottles of beer were sold at the Skipton store every year.

"But, that figure is eclipsed by the number of drinks served at their juice bar, 20 per cent of which are green in colour."

He said fresh food was key to both stores, with butchery, fruit and vegetables, and the delicatessen departments all 'outstanding'.

"Combine that with energy self-sufficiency through wind turbines and solar power, expertise and of course, excellent produce."

The fourth annual awards, which are part of the Farm Shop and Deli Show, recognise the best specialist independent retailers in the country.

Awards were judged by a panel of experts from the world of speciality retail, fine food and food media. Shortlisted entrants were chosen before the judges paid secret visits to the locations.

The Courtyard Dairy, Settle, was highly commended in the Cheesemonger of the year category.