THE best little toy shop in the north can be found right here in Rossendale.

Little Treasures, in Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, has been named Best Independent Top Shop despite being open for less than a year.

The shop beat off the challenge from more than 100 rivals to scoop the prestigious award, which was judged by the British Toy and Hobby Association and the Toy Retailers Association. Caroline Duthie, owner of the shop, which opened last April, said: “We are delighted and it makes all our hard work worthwhile.

“It is a friendly place for families to come in and we know what it’s like to be parents.”

Little Treasures features bespoke toys and children’s furniture, including a 16ft dragon which hangs from the ceiling and a huge gingerbread house, to dazzle youngsters.

Co-worker Jamie Donnolly, who builds children’s furniture for the shop, accepted a trophy on behalf of the shop during a ceremony at the O2 arena in London.

A spokesman from the Toy and Hobby Association said: “The judges chose Little Treasures because it had beautiful displays, and they made so much effort to display the toys.”