A boutique owner in Hitchin is enjoying the sweet taste of success after coming runner-up in a competition to find the best small independent shop in the UK.

Jessica Rose Princeton’s colourful retro clothes and trinkets shop, Rosita Lollipop was selected for the children’s category in the Telegraph Magazine Awards hosted by customer service watchdog Mary Portas in London.

“I was really pleased and incredibly flattered to be nominated for this award,” Jessica said. “Even though I didn’t win, just to reach the finals was a fantastic achievement.”