A FAMILY-run store which is celebrating its 25th anniversary on the eve of National Independents' Day is urging people to continue to support 'the little man'.

Heslington Road News Wines and Spirits is one of the few remaining small shops in the area since giant superstores descended on the city.

Amit Patel, who was a boy when his parents Kanti and Vasanti opened the shop in May 1980, will join his family and other small UK store owners to mark National Independents' Day on June 1. The event is a celebration of the role independent retailers play in their community - under the banner 'My shop is your shop'.

"We came in 1980 when there were a number of small specialist shops in the area from a bakers, butchers, delicatessen and post office. Now there are houses," said Amit, aged 30.

"We are now in the student area which has become more significant, particularly in the holiday time when it becomes quite quiet," he said.

"Then with the multiples and their 'buy one get one free' offers, most of the time we can't buy the products cheaper than they are selling them, which is a concern for all small independent retailers."

Amit's shop has diversified, extending its range to fair trade and organic products.

"It is working really well and supports a good cause. We started off as a newsagent with the shop half the size it is.

"Gradually we have extended, adding an off-licence and grocery. People call it an Aladdin's Cave because we have everything from apples, to toilet brushes and an ethnic range to cater for the growing ethnic population.

"We independents have been generally overlooked as the superstores grab the headlines - hence our need to speak up," he said.

"The last few years have seen an alarming decline of independent stores in York, especially in our area.

"But we are more than just a neighbourhood resource. Independent stores generate turnover of £13 billion a year and employ over 500,000 people - that's nearly two per cent of the UK workforce.

"I have been based in York for 25 years. In that time, we have developed a special relationship with our customers, most of whom pop in every day. Our customers have been good to us - we wouldn't be there if they weren't."

Updated: 09:35 Monday, May 23, 2005