Donaghadee Shopkeeper Is UK’s Top Community Retailer

11th November 2009

Gwen Patterson owner of Centra Donaghadee retailer has been voted the UK’s Independent Community Retailer of the Year by the National Federation of Retail Newsagents.

Gwen received the award for the high level of customer service offered by her shop and for the central role that it plays within the community. 

Last year the shop raised £1,200 for Action Cancer through fun walks, fancy dress parades and pub quizzes.  It also donated £10,000 to various clubs and schools to enable them to purchase new equipment and update their facilities. 

Alongside this staff deliver groceries and collect letters to be posted and dry cleaning and prescriptions for customers who are unable to run the errands for themselves as well as selling produce from local farmers, bakers and greengrocers.

Gwen is pictured with Neil Delaney of Payzone, the sponsor of this award.