A York superstore manager is in line for a New Years honour - but not one of the Queen's variety.

Ian Smith, manager of the new B&Q Warehouse in Hull Road, has been nominated as one of four finalists in an independently-run competition to find the country's Superstore Manager of the Year.

The competition, sponsored by Spur Shelving, has picked out the finalists from hundreds nationwide and the winner will be announced on Friday January 19. Three finalists work for B&Q and the fourth works for Homebase.

Ian, who lives at Clifton Moor, has worked for B&Q for 14 years and opened the new store in March this year. And already the gigantic branch has been voted the best in the Yorkshire region by B&Q.

Ian said: "I am absolutely over the moon about getting to the finals. But this is not testimony to me at all - it's for the staff."

Ian looks after more than 250 staff and said of his work that its "his life". He added: "I am the captain of this ship, but without brilliant staff we wouldn't sail. I work with a great team and I'm very proud that we have done so well so quickly."

Last Updated: 14:42 Friday, December 29, 2000