WINSLEY Post Office Stores could be voted Neighbourhood Shop of the Year after winning the south west area final.

The post office and general store beat off competition from across the area and will now go through to the national final of the contest, organised by Robert Wiseman Dairies.

Mr Appleby said: "We were nominated by one of our customers and now we are through to the national which will be held in Scotland next month."

Mystery shoppers came and visited the store for the last six weeks ensuring that Mr and Mrs Appleby gave service worthy of winning the title of Neighbourhood Shop of the Year.

Mr Appleby said: "Customers are over the moon that we have got this far and I think it's because we try to offer an extra special service."

The shop is not only a post office and general store but the Applebys also take in dry cleaning and bake their own bread.

Mr Appleby said: "We do as much as we can for Winsley."

A camera crew and judge will visit the store on Tuesday before the couple take part in a dinner and dance ceremony in Scotland on December 7.

Mr Appleby said: "We will have no idea when we travel up there whether we have won or not but it is still an achievement to have made it this far."