A CLITHEROE wine shop has been named the best in the country.

Bosses at D Byrne and Co are toasting success after scooping yet another prestigious award.

The warren of cellars filled with thousands of bottles of wines and spirits in King Street has won the Small Regional Wine Merchant accolade at the Decanter Wine Retailer of the Year Awards, held in the Royal Opera House, London.

Anthony Rose, chairman of the awards, said: “It’s the Mecca of the north of England — a truly charming shop that is part of the fabric of the community.”

The family firm was founded by Denis Byrne in 1879 and is now run by his great grandsons, Andrew, Philip and Tim, who between them have 80 years of experience in the business and four generations of knowledge to draw on.

Tim, 35, said: “It is a very good achievement.

We have won quite a few awards in the past, but the decanter publication is worldwide so the exposure we will get is unbelievable and is a magnificent boost for our business.”

Asked about the secret of his success, Tim said: “We have an amazing selection of wines and it is worthwhile for people to travel here from long distances to purchase fine wine at good prices.

We always have special offers on and many customers love our taster sessions.”

The shop, at Victoria Buildings, has hardly been altered since it was built and is now a wine-lover’s paradise with customers able to peruse through a 4000-strong wine list.

Decanter judge Tim How said: “This shop captures my imagination. It owns that part of the world.”