THE village shop at Fontmell Magna, run by Duane and Tarnia Hills, is in the running for a prestigious award.

The shop has been shortlisted in the Best Village Shop and Post Office category in the south west region of the Countryside Alliance Awards.

The shop has been in business over 150 years but in 2022 villagers raised funds and with the help of a government grant purchased the building’s freehold.

Duane and Tarnia – who are calling on people to vote for them in the awards – bought the shop in 2023 and open it and a post office six days a week, Monday to Friday, 8.30-5pm, and Saturday 8.30am-2pm.

Duane and Tarnia are treasured by the community.

They have increased the amount of stock sourced locally and now have 34 local suppliers including meat, bread, dairy and honey, plus 25 local crafters.

They also sell greetings cards, have expanded an off-licence section and have a pet and garden range.

A carefully curated selection of products.

The shop also has a small seating area at the front where customers can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake, a free book library, community noticeboard and Amazon and DPD delivery.

Duane and Tarnia strive to offer a personal service, whether that is carrying groceries out to customers’ cars or ordering in items they do not normally stock.

They said: “We think our customers like our shop not just for its convenience but for its atmosphere, as we strive to make everyone feel welcome.

“It’s also been a lifeline for some as we offer daily banking services within our post office.”

They added: “Being a south west finalist is a huge honour, and we are extremely excited and feeling very humble and thankful for all the wonderful nominations that got us this far.

“This recognition means so much, especially in today’s world where supporting local businesses is more important than ever.

“It’s not just about recognising our hard work, it’s about our community that we have built together.

“It helps to raise awareness of the importance to shop local, not just supporting us but also supporting our vast range of local suppliers and keeping rural services alive and kicking.

“It’s vital to celebrate local businesses who are working hard to do their bit to keep local supplies alive and that’s where you, our amazing customers and suppliers come in.

“We would like to ask all our customers and future customers please give us a vote and hopefully we can put our little village on the map with an award-winning shop.”

Customers can enjoy a cup of tea and slice of cake.

Winners will be chosen via a public vote with the vote closing on Monday, April 6, and the result announced later in the month.

The winners of the category will go on to represent the region at the House of Lords in the national champions’ reception in July.

To vote, visit www.research.net/r/CAA26SWBiz For more information on the awards, visit www.countryside-alliance.org/awards

The awards are now in their 19th year and aim to celebrate British food and farming, enterprise and heritage.

Countryside Alliance Awards director Sarah Lee said: “We have been overwhelmed by nominations this year.

“The secret to the ‘Rural Oscars’ popularity is that they honour the people involved in these businesses and not just their produce or services.

“They exist to sing the praises of those who work hard to keep our communities and rural economy ticking, but don’t seek the spotlight.

“These awards provide a cause for celebration in a time of great uncertainty in the countryside.

“Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition.”

The shop is a staple in Fontmell Magna.