Four Norfolk bookshops, including two in Norwich, have reached the finals for a major national award.

The regional finalists have been revealed for the independent bookshop of the year category at The British Book Awards 2024.

In the East of England, the Norfolk representation comes from The Book Hive and Bookbugs and Dragon Tales in Norwich, The Holt Bookshop and Kett's Books in Wymondham.

The latter is run as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) and it relocated to a larger premises in the town in September 2023. 

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: The Book Hive owner Henry Layte outside the Norwich shop Picture: Denise BradleyThe Book Hive owner Henry Layte outside the Norwich shop Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: DENISE BRADLEY)

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The Book Hive, which also has a shop in Aylsham, was named the independent bookshop of the month for February 2024 by publisher Faber Books.

The other East of England finalists are Niche Comics Bookshop in Huntingdon, Maldon Books Limited, David’s Bookshop in Letchworth and Next Page Books in Hitchin.

The regional winners will be revealed on March 12 and they will then contend for the overall prize, announced at a ceremony in London's Grosvenor House on May 13.