A farm shop and garden centre has earned regional recognition at Garden Centre Association Awards evening.

Bellis Brothers Farm Shop and Garden Centre in Holt was awarded the ‘Dick Allen Award’ for the most improved Garden Centre in the North West.

The winning result was based on the greatest increase in scores from their 2019 to 2021 inspections. They were also awarded a Highly Commended certificate for an outstanding overall score.

Mark Jones, general manager said: “We were extremely pleased to have received both awards and that the teams hard work and collective effort had been acknowledged, the end result being a better shopping experience for all of our customers.”

Bellis’ have been part of the Garden Centre Association (GCA) for three years, so this award holds real meaning, especially after an "incredibly difficult" 18 months, said Elizabeth Bellis-Marks, director.

"The last 18 months have been incredibly difficult. We are a business on the Wales / England border and adapting to the differing COVID restrictions proved challenging," she said.

"Parts of our business have been closed during the pandemic but our Farm Shop remained open throughout and was much used by the local community. The support we received from our customers has been our lifeline along with the efforts of our wonderful team."

She added: "The early months (of lockdown) were dark days but we were incredibly fortunate to be included in the first wave of retail openings. Although our restaurant remained closed we were lucky that the shop could help to support it until reopening was allowed.

"We are delighted to be back trading as usual and the GCA award has been the icing on the cake."