A MAN who has worked for 23 years at a York newsagents won his own personal advertising campaign when he was chosen as one of the nation's favourite shopkeepers.

Ian Simpson, of London's Newsagents, Heworth, had a larger-than-life poster of him touring the area for a day on the back of an "ad-van".

This was the prize for being among only ten shopkeepers in the country to be chosen as the nation's favourites after he was nominated by regular customer Diane Beston.

Mrs Beston said: "I've lived in the area 20 years and he is always very friendly and helpful. He gives a really personalised service and nothing is too much trouble for him."

Ian began work at London's as a paper boy 23 years ago. Six months ago he took over as shopkeeper from Derek and Mary London.

He said: "It's a credit to Derek and Mary, really, so I would like to thank them. It was an honour to be nominated and it's nice that local independent shops are being recognised."

The search to find Britain's favourite shopkeepers was conducted by Mars Ice Cream and was launched in OK! magazine, which asked readers to write in to nominate their favourite retailer.

PICTURE: DOUBLE-TAKE: Ian Simpson in an ad-van carrying the giant poster of himself (Mike Tipping)