VILLAGE shop owner David Carr was yesterday named North-East Rural Retailer of the Year.
The shop was said to be the hub of the community in Longframlington, near Morpeth, Northumberland.
Mr Carr, who supports local producers, stocks more than 11,000 items, and even brightens the village by preparing hanging baskets and floral pots around bus shelters.
He beat competition from family butchers, Crinnions, of Lanchester, County Durham, and country goods supplier Bagnall and Kirkwoods, of Newcastle, to land the North-East nomination from judges from the Countryside Alliance.
Mr Carr will now compete against 11 other regional finalists, including Yorkshire winner Weetons, of Harrogate.
The overall winner will be announced on January 24.
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