A Leek shop is "really proud" to have been included in a list of the UK's top 50 independent shops over the weekend.

Misco's Chocolates and Truffles, based at the Sheep Market in Leek, was named as one of the UK's 50 "most fabulous independent shops" in a list published by The Guardian yesterday (Sunday 28th November).

The article called the Leek shop "amazing" saying: "Meg and Cisco moved into their blue-tiled Staffordshire shop earlier this year.

"Misco's cake balls (gluten free) are legendary, but then so are most of the amazing chocolates they sell – locals are rightly proud and boastful of this small but lovely shop.

"Look for the assorted boxes of delicious little chocolates tied up with colourful bows – never mind about the perfect present for anyone else, buy one for yourself.

"If you're lucky they may be selling homemade crumble-topped stewed fruit with ice-cream and caramelised almonds."

Misco's have since reacted to the praise, thanking their staff and customers for all their support.

They said: "Super excited to be featured in the Top 50 Independent Shops list, cant quite believe it, really proud of our team, our little magical shop and all of our loyal customers who have supported us over the years!"

There was also more local joy for independent shops as another local store also made the list.

Jacksons Nurseries, based on Thorney Edge Road in nearby Bagnall, was also named as one of the top 50.

The article said: "Family-run Jacksons Nurseries has been a Staffordshire favourite for more than 50 years, but thanks to its incredibly comprehensive and regularly updated website that offers customers the option to buy by flower colour, flowering time, foliage type and hardiness, it has become a UK jewel.

"With a farm shop and a tea room, it is a great place to stop for a scone before perusing its collection of secateurs."