PENGETHLEY Farm Shop took home the top spot in the the Best Farm Shop category, which was sponsored by the Duchy of Cornwall.

James Hughes from the shop collected the award from David Curtis, land steward at the Duchy of Cornwall.

Runners-up were Court Farm and Leisure in Tillington and Oakchurch Farm Shop in Staunton-on-Wye.

James said: “It was a real pleasure to win the award and a thank you to our team here. It is a real team effort here.”

There are 12 people in total who work at the farm shop which is on the Hereford to Ross-on-Wye road.

James said: “That is our business ethos – we see ourselves as a window for local producers.

“We take on most producers and give them a try and give them an opportunity to get out in the marketplace.

“We care about what we sell and all the products we sell.

“People can see that in the quality and service we offer.”

James took over the shop six years ago.

He has experimented with the layout of the shop until he now feels the current layout gives the best customer experience.

They promote their products through social media and in-store with regular tasting days for artisan producers.

James said they have also increased their ranges of special dietary requirements.

He added: “We have increased our lines of local ciders, beers, wines and spirits.

“We have developed the butchery side of the business which enables the customer to have freshly cut joints to their requirements.

“We also make our own award winning sausages, burgers and faggots.

“In the new year we will have rebranded the business and hope to go forward with new eco-friendly packaging wherever possible.

“We are continually striving to improve all aspects of the business.”

They are keen to increase their customer base, particularly with the younger generation who may be more likely to shop in supermarkets,

They are using social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to target this audience.

There is ample free parking and they are always happy to help less able customers with their shopping.

They believe their staff offer exceptional customer service and are happy to go the extra mile to meet customer requirements.