BIRTHDAY boy shopkeeper Dennis Graves has two reasons to party this week.

Besides celebrating his 60th birthday next Tuesday, Dennis is this week's Evening Press WYLAP retailer of the week. He was given the award following a great week selling the Evening Press at his store in Main Street, Riccall, near Selby.

Dennis said: "It's a lovely surprise to win, and now I will have some champagne to celebrate my birthday with.

"We knew we had done well though - we have sold out every copy except one from the last three days. We ordered 20 extra, and even they have all gone."

Dennis and his family have been running the Costcutter store for the last 11 years. He said: "We have got a few Wylap posters up in and around the store, but I think it is being cheerful, and knowing our customers which is the biggest influence on our sales."

The award and recognition is a welcome boost for the family store.

Last December the family was rocked when the store was the victim of a serious crime. A gang of youths ram-raided the store and tried to steal a cash machine from inside. They destroyed the front of the shop which had to be completely replaced.

Dennis said: "We live next door to the shop, we just heard a huge crash and the burglar alarm, it was very frightening.

"But we are definitely right back to business now, with a new shiny shop front and our new award, which will go up on the wall.

"If we keep selling the Press at this rate, I think you are going to have to give me the award again. That will mean more champagne too."

Updated: 12:22 Saturday, March 29, 2003