Lindford Village Stores has been crowned one of the best 'Neighbourhood Shops' in the UK.
The shop was a finalist at the prestigious Robert Wiseman Dairies 'Neighbourhood Shop of the Year' Awards, which recognises excellence across the convenience retail sector.
The store, in Elmsfield Court, Lindford, competed with hundreds of shop
s across the UK to win the accolade at a glittering ceremony at Cameron House, on the banks of Loch Lomond, Scotland, on Thursday, December 10.
The store owners, Julian Taylor Green and his wife Jackie, along with the other finalists, were treated to a ceremony that included entertainment from a school choir, synchronised swimmers and finger painting to music by artist Brian Olson.
This was followed by a black and white ball.
During the ceremony guests were served a Christmas feast including fresh Scottish salmon.
Julian said: "We were looked after tremendously.
"It was magnificent - the hotel, the location, the evening.
"There was a real mix of people there from retailers to farmers and farmers unions."
The store also received a special award for 'Local Identity for a National Brand' as the store, part of the Londis group, has excelled in keeping its local identity.
Julian said: "We are very pleased and very proud.
"We have done a phenomenal amount in the store in terms of the refit, but this goes one step further as it shows what it takes to run a real business with good staff.
"It gives not only the staff but people living locally a sense of pride."
Sandy Wilkie, sales and marketing director at Robert Wiseman Dairies, said: "The stores in the national finals represent the cream of convenience retailing and Lindford Village Stores is very deserving of its place amongst the top 28 convenience stores in the country.
"The finalist stores had to go through a strict judging process, which included visits from mystery shoppers who judged the friendliness of staff, and the store's merchandising and product range."
