HASLEMERE Bookshop Saturday assistant Tom NcKnight has scooped a top award.

Crime fiction author James Patterson – a big supporter of independent bookshops – founded the Young Bookseller Special Achievement Award in March and Tom, 17, a Bohunt School pupil, is one of the lucky winners.

The award, made in conjunction with the Booksellers Association, is to recognise the talent of those aged 25 and under, who will help to shape the future of the industry.

Haslemere Bookshop manager Emily Adsett-Raggett, who nominated Tom for the award, said: “We couldn’t be more proud. Tom was only 16 when he started and this is his first job, but he has shown maturity beyond his years in dealing with customers, recommending books and fitting into our team. “He thoroughly deserves the award.”