LOCAL business Robin Hill Stores has been selected as Wessex regional winner in the best village shop or post office section of the Countryside Alliance Awards.

Known as the "rural Oscars" aim to celebrate the characters, produce, traditions and enterprises the make the greatest contribution to country life. Winners from 12 regions will be competing for the national title at a special ceremony in the House of Lords later this month.

Robin Hill Stores, run by Suzanne Young and her husband Bob, was a Wessex regional finalist last year and winner in 2008. The business's efforts to serve its community and use local suppliers also won Robin Hill Stores the title of Best Independent Food Shop in the Blackmore Vale Magazine's 2009 Taste of Dorset Awards.

Suzanne said: "It feels absolutely amazing to be through to the finals again.

"The recession has made things harder and harder for everyone, so it is great to get an award that is voted for by our customers."