A Huntingdon bookshop has been named one of the best in Britain.

Niche Comics Bookshop has been shortlisted to become the East of England's Independent Bookshop of the Year as part of The British Book Awards 2022.

Angela, Adam and Guy Makey opened their shop on Huntingdon's High Street in 2011.

The Hunts Post: Guy, Angela and Adam Makey opened Niche Comics Bookshop in 2011Guy, Angela and Adam Makey opened Niche Comics Bookshop in 2011 (Image: Niche Comics Bookshop)

Since then, they have carved out their own niche, selling comics, books and table-top games to fans across Cambridgeshire.

Adam said: "I am extremely pleased that we are finalists in The British Book Awards 2022.

"It means a lot to us and it is nice to be recognised for what we are doing."

Adam described the shop as "unique" to the county and said that there are only a handful of comic specialists in Cambridgeshire.

He added that he is proud of the shop's autism-friendly label, and that he, Angela and Guy work with students on the autism spectrum to provide work experience and shop roles.

Adam said: "We have grown a lot during the pandemic, which I know a lot of places haven't been able to do."

The Hunts Post: Niche Comics Bookshop is a finalist in the competition to become the East of England's Independent Bookshop of the Year 2022Niche Comics Bookshop is a finalist in the competition to become the East of England's Independent Bookshop of the Year 2022 (Image: Niche Comics Bookshop)

In the East, Niche Comics Bookshop is up against Bookbugs and Dragon Tales in Norwich, Dial Lane Books in Ipswich, Maldon Books, and The Margate Bookshop.

These shops and 57 others are also competing for the national prize.

According to The British Book Awards organisers, the winners will have provided "enjoyment, distraction and succour for the nation's readers during these turbulent times".

Tom Tivnan, managing editor of The Bookseller, which organises the awards, said: "The received wisdom in the book trade when the pandemic first hit was that independent booksellers might be the most vulnerable.

"They have proved anything but as through close ties to their communities, indies have flourished for the last two years.

"This year's Independent Bookshop of the Year regional and country finalists reflect a broad diversity across the UK and Ireland with the thread of innovation running through, no matter if they are one of the UK's most venerable indies or one of its newest."

The British Book Awards 2022 winners will be announced on Wednesday, March 16.

Niche Comics Bookshop is at 147 High Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3TF and online: https://huntsbooks.co.uk/