By Linzi Watson

Last updated at 15:52, Friday, 13 November 2009

A village shop and post office at the heart of Hallbankgate is in the running for national acclaim – for the second time in three years.

Hallbankgate’s Co-op and Post Office has been named by the Countryside Alliance as one of their north west finalists.

A total of 12 top local businesses are vying for one of four regional titles with Hallbankgate one of three in the running for ‘Best Village Shop and Post Office’.

Manageress Carol Cooper said the staff at the store pride themselves on being the hub of the community and they are delighted to be short-listed.

The village shop has already tasted victory after winning the award in 2006 and staff are hoping for the same success.

Back in 2006, judges commended the business for battling through foot and mouth.

The Hallbankgate shop is a former miners’ co-operative founded in 1870.

It faced an uncertain future until it was taken over by Penrith Co-op a few years ago.

Mrs Cooper said: “We are a real community shop and have a lot of loyal customers who we see every day.

“We also have a scheme where we can deliver food to customers and this is very popular among the elderly people in the community,” she added.

Mrs Cooper, who has worked in the shop for 10 years, took over as manager six months ago, working alongside shop assistants Sue Stoddart, Jackie Bell and Mal Liddle.

She added: “We are all friends in here so there is a really good atmosphere.

“We are happy to be here and serve the local community and any recognition we get is just a bonus.”

The Countryside Alliance Awards celebrate the characters, skills, traditions and enterprise of the countryside through the people who work hard to make it tick.

Each finalist has received numerous nominations from customers and supporters.

Countryside Alliance’s North West regional judge Jill Grieve said: “These finalists represent the very best of the region and I know that judging winners in each category is going to be very tough.

“The awards are a unique opportunity to celebrate not just the hard work that goes into businesses in the countryside, but also the heart and character of every individual who contributes to rural enterprise.”

Regional judging will now take place and the winners will be announced before Christmas.

These winners go forward to the national finals held at Parliament on February 3, 2010.

First published at 14:22, Friday, 13 November 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk