SPAXTON Community Shop has been named as the best village store in the entire county.

The shop was given the title after being shortlisted in the new sub category of the Best Village in Somerset awards, which is sponsored by Manga Housing.

The award of £100 plus a commemorative plaque was presented at a ceremony at Edington Hall on Friday October 26.

The Community Stores is run by the manager Karen Dennis and a team of 52 volunteers who dedicate their time to keeping the store open and thriving.

It was purpose built after a campaign by residents and the parish council, who own shares in the business.

The main points made about Spaxton Community Stores at the ceremony were that as well as having an 'impressive selection' of produce, and being run by volunteers with only one paid member of staff, the shop obviously has the backing of the local population.

While the judges were in the shop, many customers came in and sang the praises of the store and its many volunteers.

A spokesman for the shop said: "Spaxton Community Shop is delighted to have won the award for best village shop in Somerset.

"Credit is due to the very many people who have been involved in setting up and then running the whole enterprise and of course to all the shop’s customers."