A Long Ditton newsagents has been named the small shop of the year, at a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday, March 10.

Manny’s in Fleece Road, which is run by Manoj and Minal Patel, was given the award at a function organised by a Parliamentary cross-party group, in conjunction with the National Federation of Retail Newsagents.

The shop was nominated after pledging, and succeeding to bring community life back to the hearty of Long Ditton.

The shop was nominated by Ian Taylor, MP for Esher and Walton, who also attended the event.

Mr Patel said: “It is an honour to accept the very first Small Shop of the Year award, not only for Manny’s but also for Long Ditton and most of all for our valued customers.

“Thank you to David Amess MP for awarding Small Shop of the Year award 2010 to Manny’s and for launching such an inspiring award. Thank you also to Ian Taylor MP for nominating and considering Manny’s worthy of this prestigious award.”

When Mr Patel expanded the business last year, he told the Elmbridge Guardian he intended to bring the heart back to Long Ditton village.

Mr Taylor said Mr Patel had succeeded in this.

He said: “This country is still a nation of small shopkeepers and Manny’s is a wonderful example of an outstanding shop which gives a first rate support to its customers.

"It’s range of goods and services include many which are vital to those especially who are unable to travel far. It has revitalised community life in Long Ditton.”

Do you know Manny’s tell us why it’s number one at elmbridgeguardian.co.uk