A convenience store in Plymouth has been crowned best Spar store in the South West at Appleby Westward’s annual awards.

Owned by Gillett’s Callington, the store in North Hill, Plymouth, was named Convenience Retailer of the Year and best multiple store, while manager Peter Ewing won the award for Best Store Manager.

Amir Sattari’s store in Queen Street, Portsmouth won the Best Independent Store, while Justin Taylor’s forecourt store at Winford near Bristol scooped the Best Small Store award.

Chartman Group’s newly-developed Winning Post forecourt store near Exeter carried off the Most Improved Store award, while the Connolly family celebrated Best Service Retailer for their Ludgershall store.

Peter Ewing, manager of the North Hill store in Plymouth, said: “We are delighted to win this award. It is the second year we have been nominated and we have to work harder and harder each year to ensure we maintain high standards.

“We are operating a flagship 24-hour store that the company can be proud of, which now includes a new 24/7 Subway.”

Appleby Westward sales and marketing director Nick Kenworthy said: “Our Spar retailers continue to set high standards and made the work of the judges very difficult.

“The convenience market is a very competitive one, and it is vital that our Spar stores stand out from the crowd in order to continue to attract and build customer loyalty.”

The awards, staged by Spar regional distributor Appleby Westward, are in their second year.