Nicole-Marie Brown took charge of Greetham Village Shop in July and has dedicated hours of work to transforming it into a one-stop shop for all the village's needs.

Her dedication to the job has sparked the comparisons between herself and Ronnie Barker's 1970's character who was always up early to open the shop and stayed late to close it.

Nicole, 36, said: "People have been comparing me to Open All Hours because if I'm here late at night and they want something, I'll open up and sell it to them."

And it is this dedication and determination to put customers first and create a thriving business which earned Nicole her first nomination from Margaret Winterton, of Stretton Road, Greetham.

She said: "It's a wonderful place to shop and really good for the village. Service is always given with a smile and Nicole will always go that bit further to help you."

Nicole, who has been supported by her family since taking over the shop, added: "I'm gobsmacked to have won. I've made a lot of changes to give the villagers what they want so I'm really pleased they have supported me and taken the time to vote.

"I never expected to win against so many other people and bigger companies which have more customers than I do."

Greetham Village Shop secured 27 per cent of the 623 votes received.
Village businesses also claimed the two runner-up spots in the competition with Trish Andrews, at Ketton Club, and George and Angela Angus, at Ketton Post Office, proving they also offer great customer service.

Trish said: "There was a bit of friendly rivalry between us and Ketton Post Office to see who could get the most votes, so I had posters out saying vote for me and they had the same for them.

"It was just a bit of fun but it's fantastic news to be a winner - I'm over the moon."

Trish has been steward of Ketton Club for six months and has given the place a makeover and added some much-needed sparkle to make people feel welcome.

Mrs Angus, of Ketton Post Office, said her shop's success, and that of Ketton Club showed what great community spirit there was in Ketton.
"Ketton isn't a huge village so for it to scoop the two runners up prizes says a lot for the people who live there and how supportive they are.

"Since we took over the post office three years ago people have been very welcoming and we have tried to support the village community as much as possible."

Rutland Times editor Eileen Green thanked everyone who made a nomination in the competition and who then took the time anbd effort to vote.

"It's wonderful to see so many people in businesses in Rutland serving their customers to very high standards," she said.

"It's interesting to see our top three are all in villages and real focal points for the communities."

She thanked Rutland County Council for sponsoring the awards.

Council leader Roger Begy, who lives in Greetham, handed over the winner's trophy to Nicole, and Coun Hugh Rees, whose ward covers Ketton, presented the two Ketton awards.

Altogether 52 nominations were made by readers. All the nominees will receive a certificate.