Business owners are being encouraged to enter a competition, which will see them get the praise and thanks they deserve.

Workington MP Mark Jenkinson is urging shopkeepers to enter the Best Small Shops Competition to highlight the central role they place in the community, particularly in response to Covid- 19.

The contest is open to any small shop within the UK, with judges looking for evidence of the owners' entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and how they have positively impacted their community.

A shortlist will be announced in October, with well-deserved winners announced in November.

Mr Jenkinson said: "My constituency of Workington is home to hundreds of small shops and businesses. Whether your shop is located in Cockermouth, Workington, Maryport, Silloth, Aspatria or any of the villages in between.

"Over the past couple of weeks I have visited a number of small shops that have remained open during lockdown and discussed with them how they adapted to adhere to Government guidance throughout this time.

"One thing is for sure – small shops are key to the communities that they serve and that has been evident over the past few months. "

He continued: "I want to see small shops in the Workington constituency recognised for the effort and care that they have demonstrated to their communities, and I would encourage shopkeepers in my constituency to consider entering the competition."

Entries for 2020’s Best Small Shop competition are now open, and are set to close on September 11.

For more details, and to enter the competition, visit www.bestsmallshops.co.uk.