A LEDBURY cookshop has been named small independent retailer of the year by Charles Viancin, the French-based maker of designer kitchen accessories.

The Kitchen Cupboard, in the town's High Street, won the accolade by selling the largest volume of Charles Viancin's products last year in its category.

The company makes a distinctive range of accessories, including colanders and steamers, lids for all kinds of pots and chopping boards.

The company's UK chief executive Peter Battersby dropped into the shop in person to present proprietor Sue Edwards with a commemorative plaque, flowers and champagne.

Mrs Edwards said: "I'm absolutely delighted to receive this award. I first saw the products last year, and had no idea how successful they would be.

"It’s the bestselling new product range that I have had in my 29 years of running the shop. I’m not sure how many lids I have sold, but it is certainly a few thousand. I have been re-ordering on a weekly basis."