A WINCHESTER shop has been hailed as one of the best new ones in the country.

The Hambledon is one of three finalists in a national competition run by trade magazine Draper's Record.

It opened in The Square in September 1999.

The winner of the competition will be announced on Thursday, November 16. Director Phil Webb said: "We are absolutely delighted. It is an honour to be up there as among the three best in the country. It would be even better to win.

"It is a sign we are doing something right.

"We offer a mix of home accessories, gifts and designer womenswear."