Kirdford shop picks up another top award

They are the South East Champions 2012, Daily Telegraph Village Shop, in the Countryside Alliance Awards.

This follows winning the Daily Telegraph’s Best Small Shops in Britain Award and the Countryside Alliance ‘Rural Oscars’ South East in 2011.

A spokesperson for the shop said: “The Countryside Alliance has, in its short life, become the major British campaigning organisation on rural issues.

“These are hugely prestigious awards – where we are competing against private companies – not just community shops – so we are really proud and delighted. And it’s a great testimony to our amazing team – Craig, Dona, Jo, Isy, Christian, Calum and all the volunteers – thank you.

“And a humungous thank you to all you lovely people that voted for us, because that is what first gets us noticed.

“After you all took the time to vote online or filled in the petition in the shop, we had to submit a written document which in our case is about the shop, its history, the social history of the village, what we sell, our relationship with suppliers, and the community involvement. And then at some point the secret shoppers came.

“Thanks to everyone for your support in this, it’s a great achievement. We go up to the House of Lords on March 13th for a winner’s reception, and to hear who has won the National Title!”