AN INDEPENDENT store with shops in Bridport and Beaminster has won a prestigious business award.

Cilla and Camilla, located on East Street, Bridport, and the Square, Beaminster, has been recognised in this year’s 'The Greats' Gift Retailer Awards.

The gift and hardware shop, which also has a branch in Sherborne, was awarded as the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year in the South West category.

The winners were announced in a virtual ceremony, organised by the magazine Progressive Gifts & Home and also GiftsandHome.net

Sadly like many other retailers, Cilla and Camilla stores will be closed during the lockdown – but the owners are hoping they can be back open in time for the crucial Christmas trading period.

Speaking before this month's lockdown was announced, Sally Ann Palmer, one of the owners of Cilla and Camilla, said: “We are delighted to have won this prestigious national award.

“We would like to thank all our wonderful staff and customers. We have been overwhelmed by the support from our loyal local customers since we reopened our four shops in June and have welcomed lots of visitors over the summer.”

She added: “We are now looking forward to planning for Christmas and providing our customers with a fabulous range of gifts, cards, clothes and much more.

“Our amazing staff in all our shops have worked hard to make sure customers have a safe and enjoyable shopping experience and we will continue to do so.”

Cilla and Camilla has been at its premises in Beaminster since 2012, opening its Bridport store a year later.