A village shop owner in New Radnor was treated to a House of Lords tour with David Chadwick MP, while also being shortlisted for a Countryside Alliance Award.

Sharon Harris, owner of Esco, was named Welsh Champion in the Village Shop and Post Office category at the Welsh ‘Rural Oscars’ ceremony held at the Senedd.

The business, set up in 2011 after the closure of the village shop, started in a small cabin in Sharon’s father’s yard while he was battling cancer. After his death later that year, Sharon continued to grow the shop, later moving into larger premises in 2014 with the support of local residents.

While Sharon did not win nationally, she did attend the event in London, where Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick took Sharon and her partner on a tour of The Palace of Westminster.

Sharon said: “I couldn’t have been more shocked at winning the Wales category, so to just have the day was a complete honour. It is so lovely to be part of an event that celebrates such small businesses that support communities all over the country.

“In fifteen years all awards and recognition I have seen are often defined by amount of employees or turnover, but these awards are entirely different and are about the ethos, hard work and the community, which is something I have always felt strongly about.

“I felt very honoured and in awe to be in a room of so much talent and hard work, and it really was special listening to each business that won and the story behind their success.”

A spokesperson for the Countryside Alliance said: “What makes ESCO truly special is the extraordinary dedication behind it. As owner and driving force of the business, she undertakes almost every aspect of its operation herself, from ordering stock and managing accounts to deliveries and customer service. She knows her customers personally, anticipates their needs and goes above and beyond to support those who are unable to leave their homes. The overwhelming number of nominations received is a testament to the respect, gratitude and affection she has earned throughout the community. Through hard work, compassion and exceptional service, she has created a business that sits at the very heart of village life.”