A BOOK shop manager has been nominated for a prestigous industry award.

Heather Slater, 36, has worked at Forum Books in Corbridge for three years and has been recently nominated as the bookseller of the year in the British Book Awards 2024.

Heather moved to the North East from Edinburgh over ten years ago and has always been a keen reader.

She said: "Before working at Forum Books, I was customer of the shop prior to that. 

"I have some great memories of visiting bookshops and libraries as a child with my parents and grandparents. 

"Forum Books was the last shop I visited before the COVID lock down in 2020 and before working there I worked freelance in events, theatre and festivals as well having worked at Beamish Museum. 

"The British Book Awards is a competition where any bookseller from across the UK and Ireland can be entered and the shortlist is always amazingly strong.

"I received the email to say I had been shortlisted whilst digging over my flower beds on a day off and it took me completely by surprise. The support I have recieved from customers and the wider community since I have been shortlisted since has been brilliant. 

"I have to wait until May 13 for the awards ceremony but I am really excited.

"My ticket is already booked and I am very excited to represent the bookshop at such a high profile awards. "