AN ISLAND shop has received a prestigious regional award after a recent makeover.Chale Green Stores, which has been extensively refurbished by new owners Vernon and Jenny Tyerman, has been named the best village shop in the south by the Countryside Alliance.
Since buying the shop three years ago, Vernon and Jenny have introduced a wide range of fine food and drink, including fresh Isle of Wight produce.
The store, which includes a cafe, a deli, a sub post office and a garden, was officially re-opened by Isle of Wight High Sheriff Alan Titchmarsh in December.
The Countryside Alliance Awards are designed to celebrate the skills, produce, traditions and enterprise of the countryside. All the regional award winners will now go through to the national finals, which will be held at the House of Lords, on March 18.
Head judge Sara Rutherford said: “The owners have continually focused on the needs of local people, visitors and tradesmen in order to increase their trade.
“They have also sought to use as much new technology as possible to ensure the new shop has an exceptional environmental performance. I was totally in awe of this shop.”
Reporter:
emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk