A NEW FOREST store has been named Sustainability Retailer of the Year.

The Welcome store in Brockenhurst was recognised at the 2022 Retail Industry Awards and the 2022 Convenience Awards

Richard and Karen Dance, who run the shop, aim to offer a plastic-free choice in every area of their store.

The store has been named Sustainability Retailer of the Year and Most Sustainable Retailer Initiative of the Year at two national awards.

According to the Convenience Awards organisers, judges praised the amazing work with local suppliers that has made real progress on improving sustainability.

Its communication to shoppers was also highly commended by the judging panel.

Richard Dance said: "Sustainability is so important to us as we can't go on forever as we have done in the past. We must start somewhere.

"By giving people a plastic free choice and offering sustainable products day in and day out we hope to influence customers to make choices that will make a difference."

Last year, the store was crowned winners for New Store/Refit of the Year category at the 2021 Convenience Store Awards, and Post Office Retailer of the Year at the Retail Industry Awards 2021.