Does Enderby have a local baker, butcher, deli or village store on its doorstep that deserves to be celebrated for excellent produce? Or perhaps the extra effort they put in to delight their local customers?

Shoppers and residents in Enderby, and elsewhere in Blaby District, are being invited to nominate their favourite for the Village Shop of the Year award, a countywide competition with a prize fund of £4,000, plus expert support, social media and PR services for the lucky winner.

Supported by the Rural Shops Alliance and the Leicestershire Rural Partnership, the competition was set up by Corin Birchall, founder of Cherish Village Shops.

She said:

“I love village shops because they are often at the heart of a community, and due to supermarkets, out-of-town retail parks and the internet, competition has never been tougher.

“To survive and prosper they have to be innovative, offer new services and go above and beyond. I’m passionate about supporting rural retailers and that’s why I have launched this competition.”

Councillor Tony Greenwood MBE, portfolio folder for Planning, Economic Development and Housing Strategy, said:

“Blaby District Council is supporting this initiative as it highlights the wonderful array of local businesses the district has to offer. Please nominate your special store before the closing date on 31 January 2014.”

For more information and to nominate your favourite shop please visit http://villageshopoftheyear.org or call 01455 203 206.