A HUB of the community in Crossgates is celebrating after being recognised as one of the top independent shops in the UK.

The Corner Shop, on Main Street, which is run by Robert Kirkwood, has been recognised by the Independent Achievers Academy (IAA) and is now in with a chance of being named best overall shop later this year.

The Premier Express convenience store made the IAA Top 100 list – which celebrates the continued success of stand-alone shops around the country – following an assessment based on stores achieving excellence in serving customers across 12 core principles of retailing.

Robert and his staff were found to be “consistently delivering a great experience” for shoppers, and he said: “I’m over the moon to make the IAA Top 100 for the first time.

“My team and I have worked hard to achieve this and it’s great to be recognised for providing a service to our community. I can’t wait to share the news with our customers!”

Serving villagers with everyday groceries is not all Robert and The Corner Shop do for the community.

They’re heavily involved in supporting Crossgates’ annual gala and, in June, we told how a prize raffle raised £411 for terminally ill Deanna Wilson.

Deanna, 35, was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago but the disease spread to her bones and liver, with doctors giving her the heartbreaking news that it is incurable.

After she and husband Stephen launched an online fundraising appeal to build a downstairs bedroom and en-suite to help combat mobility problems, the community rallied and raised almost £10,000.

At the time, Deanna said: “Robert is very involved in the community, which has so many genuinely nice people. Crossgates is a great place to live in. People have been so kind and it’s really overwhelming.

“It keeps me going and has perked me up to have such a big team of people behind me.”

Nick Shanagher, Newtrade managing director, said: “The Top 100 list recognises the hard work of the family business owners and their staff which consumers repeatedly say they want to find in local stores.

“With our partners, the IAA benchmarking helps with the simple, small, smart things that make a difference so they can compete with the chain stores and Amazon.”

A shortlist of shops will be announced on Monday September 11, which will be judged by a panel comprising the editors of RN and Retail Express and 12 leading industry experts.

Some 12 category stars and an overall best shop will be revealed at the IAA Gala Dinner on Wednesday November 29 in London.