"MORE than a shop - more a community service" just about sums up the comments made on the huge number of entries which secured the title of the West Somerset Free Press Business of the Year 2011 for popular Kilve Stores.

Owned and run by Matt Hirst since August 2007, the shop has built up a loyal customer base and also boasts a roaring passing trade.

Matt, who celebrated his win with daughters Lauren and Alice and staff members, said he was thrilled to be given the accolade.

"It's nice to know that people have noticed the effort we have made and it is especially nice when they get behind you for something like this," Matt said.

Free Press advertising executive Cate Parsons presented the trophy to Matt and Lauren, watched by staff members this week.

Customers from as far afield as Holford, East Quantoxhead and Watchet, as well as Kilve, voted for the shop with Janet Hatt's "more than shop" comment summing up the general feeling of everyone who voted for the stores.

Robbie Rutt of Kilve said: "A truly exceptional example of how a rural shop can exist and thrive in the 21st century."

The Gorman family of Kilve were full of praise for the friendly and helpful attitude of staff, while David Talling of Holford said the service was nothing short of "superb".

"They go above and beyond a normal store in looking after the local community," Teresa Feltham of East Quantoxhead said on her nomination form.

Mary Pearce of Kilve said nothing was too much trouble and added: "Matt's put his shop on the map.

"The staff are friendly and it's very good value. He's saved our Post Office from closure."

Matt himself said he was just happy to have been able to help and become part of the vibrant local community.

"The shop was going through a difficult time before I bought it and I think people realised then how important the shop and the Post Office is in the village and everyone got behind it.

"Now everything seems to channel through the shop - we help promote things and sponsor stuff as well, it's very much a two-way process."

Photo: Steve Guscott