The Windsor Arcade bookshop Griffin Books has been named Welsh Independent Bookshop of the Year in the British Book Awards.

Their victory in the regional/country finals was announced this morning.

They will now be up against the nine other regional winners in May's UK-wide final.

The British Book Awards praised Griffin Book's willingness to creatively adapt to the difficult conditions of the past year.

"Owner Mel Griffin and her team's adaptability was praised by judges for its flexible approach during lockdowns including remote working, diversifying its distribution when book supply became difficult and, during the Welsh October "firebreak", negotiating with a neighbouring "essential shop" to become a collection point in order to maintain its high street presence.

"Like many Indies, Griffin Books grew its sales despite the pandemic.

"It put together a new website, shifted its author events and book clubs online and ramped up its social media, while its subscription service was popular among isolating customers."

Reacting to the news, a member of the Griffin Books team

tweeted the following:

"Waaaaaaaaaaaah!!! Huge congratulations to all of the other regional and country winners. We can't stop smiling!"

A virtual ceremony for the UK-wide finals will be held on 13th May.

The winner of the Independent Bookshop of the Year will also be put forward for the overall Book Retailer of the Year shortlist to compete against high street chains, supermarkets and online booksellers.

Find out about the other regional winners here.