Lucy Gardner and Charlotte Williams from Woods of Whitchurch went to the House of Lords on Wednesday, April 27th to find out whether their shop won a Countryside Alliance Rural Oscar, for the Best Village Shop of The Year.

Although Woods of Whitchurch were not crowned Best Village Shop, the title instead went to Heath Stores in Kent, Lucy and Charlotte had a lovely afternoon. On Facebook, Lucy wrote: “Although we didn’t win, it was a pleasure to be amongst so many like minded people. It reminds us again of how important a village shop is.

“Thank you to all those who nominated us and supported us.”

The local MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire also met with Lucy and Charlotte in London at the Rural Oscars. Lucy told the Ross Gazette: "He also sent a lovely letter about a week before. (He's a) Really nice guy. He actually opened the shop so it's nice for him to see how we are progressing.”

Of the 4,500 businesses that were nominated, Woods of Whitchurch made the final 13.Lucy has also recently opened a second venture to her hugely successful village store, Woody's Coffee Shop. This cafe is located above her current venue. Lucy told the Gazette "Feedback so far has been super positive."