SPECIALIST shops are scattered all over St Albans City centre but only Games Workshop was deemed special enough to take the title: Specialist Shop of the Year 2008.

Games Workshop was given its crown on Monday night at the Alban Arena.

Forty-four shops were nominated in this category and all were mystery shopped before the number was whittled down to three short-listed stores: Games Workshop, Rugallery and Let's Dance.

Councillor Melvyn Teare, who co-ordinated this category, praised Games Workshop staff highly for their skill and knowledge of table-top battle gaming.

"The mystery shopper who went to the store is an avid gamer and was extremely impressed with the wide range of items available for gamers in the area," he said.

The winners, who couldn't attend the gala evening, said they were very surprised to have won.

"We are very pleased and surprised to have won," said part-time sales assistant Jem Royal. "We just do our job as best as we can and it is really good to see that people appreciate what we do."

Games Workshop is based in Heritage Close and opens from 10am to 6pm on Tuesday through to Saturday. On Thursday evening it stays open until 8pm for late night gaming sessions.