Webbs of Crickhowell and Wright Ironmongers make the shortlist for Which? Local Business of the Year award.
Two independent hardware and home improvement retailers have been nominated as among Britain's best local retailers.

Webbs of Crickhowell from Powys and Wright's Ironmonger of Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire have been nominated, along with just eight others, as the Local Business of the Year award, run by consumer magazine Which?.

The award, which is being held for the first time, is designed to recognise great customer service and excellent work by local businesses.

"We didn't enter the award," says Peter Webb of Webbs, "our customers nominated us, which makes it absolutely brilliant."

Although it began as a hardware business, Webbs has grown since its inception to become a highly-successful independent department store, with offerings that include gardening, furniture and electricals.

"To get this accolade as the best local business in Wales in the light of ever-increasing competition means that we're particularly delighted with it," says Mr Webb. "It's a real feather in our cap."

Wright Ironmongers has been nominated as the Scottish winner of this accolade. The business is run by George Murray, who founded it with his brother 30 years ago.

The winner of the title of Britain's Local Business of the Year will be named at a ceremony in London on June 9.