Booths has been named Britain's 'Overall Wine Merchant of the Year 2002' in the International Wine Challenge beating every supermarket group and off-licence chain in the country.

" If you had to choose one word to summarise Booths it would be quality," lauded Wine magazine, organisers of the coveted industry 'Oscars'.

"Whether it be the deli counter, the multi-award winning selection of cheeses and beers, the range of wines or the approach to retailing, Booths is an impressive set up."

The oldest family-owned and run grocery business in Britain, with 27 stores across Cumbria, Lancashire, Cheshire, and Yorkshire, Booths - also holders of the 'beer supermarket of the year' title - has an annual turnover of £150 million.

Company chairman Edwin Booth said of the wine merchant honour: "To win the top wine Oscar and to see off the massive wine departments of the likes of Sainsbury, Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Oddbins is wonderful.

It is also a great compliment to our wine buyer Sally Holloway."