Mantons Card Shop in Port Erin has beaten 50,000 other card sellers to be named a winner in the National Greeting Cards awards.

The RETAS are described as the Oscars of the industry and the prizes were presented at a lavish ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

In addition to the main prize, assistant manager Claire Scott became the youngest ever runner-up in the 'Card shop employee of the year' category.

Both Caire and Mantons owner Chris Beards were at the Dorchester to collect the prizes.

Chris said it was well deserved recognition for the hard work and commitment to customers Mantons takes pride in.

Mantons was chosen by an industry wide panel of greeting card publishers because of the wide range of quality products offered, an inviting retail environment, excellent customer service and especially marketing initiatives.

Mantons was opened in 1987 by Tony Manton, and was taken over in August 2008 by Debbie and Chris Beards.

Since changing hands the store has undergone a complete re-fit and over 70 new contemporary greeting card designers have been added to the range of over 7,200 card designs already stocked.