A popular Hexham bookshop has been shortlisted for an award.

Cogito Books, on St Mary's Chare, has made the regional shortlist in the nominations for the Independent Bookshop of the Year award, a category in the British Book Awards 2021.

Owner Claire Grint said: "We are all very excited.

"This year I think even more so given the challenges that everyone has faced."

After announcing the news on their Facebook page, the bookshop received many comments of congratulations.

"We were really touched that our customers seemed to be excited," Claire said.

Claire runs Cogito alongside Hilary MacCallum and Jenny Tattersall, who have all been working behind closed doors during the lockdowns.

"Cogito is very much a team effort," Claire said.

The bookshop has carried on running remotely, taking orders over the phone with deliveries and collections available.

"Going into the first lockdown, we were very aware that we needed to keep talking to our customers, getting books into their hands, and supporting the community," Claire said.

"We have been very fortunate that our customers have continued to get in touch with us and buy books from us.

"We have been overwhelmed."

"Reading has offered people a lot of things during this year," she added, saying books can be a comfort blanket, escapism or a source of information for people.

When the bookshop was allowed to open, they ensured there was more space for people to move around.

Cogito Books has three book groups- fiction, children’s books, and crime, which are currently being held via Zoom.

They have also launched a new book subscription, where customers receive a book tailored to their interests per month from Cogito.

Claire said this has been well-received: "A little bit of the bookshop lands on their doorsteps."

The winners of the regional finals will be announced on March 17.