Award for store due to close its doors

A POPULAR village store has picked up a prestigious accolade only days before it shuts its doors for good.

Danehill Stores was crowned Best South East Post Office/Village Store 2008 in the Countryside Alliance Awards.

Owners Gary and Sharon Crilly said they accept the award with "some sadness", while the future of the shop remains bleak.

As it stands, the shop is due to close at 5.30pm on Friday February 27. The post office closed on February 7.

In a recent statement the couple said the decision to close is purely financial.

"It was a long, hard and very difficult decision to make and one that was not taken lightly," they said.

"We have, throughout our time had a small but loyal group of regular customers that we shall miss dearly and we thank all the "passing trade" that played a big part in keeping us going.

"We are hoping to stay in the village, so we are sad that we will be losing our village shop and post office as well."

In November the store was shortlisted as one of three contenders in its category for the Countryside Alliance Awards.

Countryside Alliance spokesman Michelle Nudds said: "This shop was nominated because of the fantastic service they give to a wide community, serving as village shop to 10 villages.

"With wonderful, friendly people it is an excellent example of a post office that has diversified to become as many services as it can possibly get in."

Having won the regional award, the store is now forwarded to the national finals, which take place in London on March 18.

The Crillys added: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers, staff, family and friends that have helped us out during our time here and wish you all the best for the future."