Alicia Kearns MP has announced the winners of her annual competition to find Rutland and Stamford's favourite independent shop.

This year, over 41,600 votes were cast across 20 categories.

The overall winner for the 2025-26 award is Walkers Bookshop in Stamford, who received 1,242 votes.

The category winners are as follows:

• Arts and Antiques - St Martins Antiques Centre, Stamford
• Beauty, Pampering and Wellness - Natalie Dams Beauty, Stamford
• Bookshop - Walkers Bookshop, Stamford
• Butcher - Simpsons at Stamford Garden Centre
• Café - Central Café and Tearooms, Stamford
• Children and Babies - Noughts and Crosses, Stamford
• Craft and Hobby - Ewe Wool Shop, Stamford
• Farm and Produce - Farmer Lou, Exton
• Florists, Stamford Flowers, Stamford
• Food and Drink - Hambleton Bakery, Stamford,
• Garden Centre - The Rutland Nursery, Manton
• Gifts and Stationery - You Living and Giving, Stamford
• Hairdressers - Glow, Oakham
• Homeware - Nook, Stamford
• Music and Musical Instrument - Stamford Music Shop, Stamford
• Pets - Pets Korner, Stamford
• Pharmacy - Rutland Late Night Pharmacy
• Village Shop - The Village Stores, Ryhall
• Special Commendation - Harrison and Dunn, Stamford

Oakham-based Glow Hair Studio won the Beauty category (Photo: Alicia Kearns)

Speaking about the awards, Alicia Kearns said: 'Our independent shops are at the heart of our high streets and communities, and the support shown for them throughout these awards has been fantastic.

'Sharing the news with this years' winners and seeing their wonderful reactions has been a real joy, particularly at a time when so many businesses are struggling with rising costs.

'Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees - your hard work and contribution to our communities deserves to be celebrated.'

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