THE owners of a popular Burnham-on-Sea grocer and deli said they are ‘over the moon’ after winning a prestigious food and drink award.

Richard and Jaqui Gardiner-White, owners of Gardiner-Whites, celebrated with staff last week as they were named Independent Retailer of the Year at the Somerset Life Food and Drink Awards.

The deli and grocers in Burnham’s High Street opened in October 2017 and has been a popular addition to the town.

Speaking after the awards, Rich Gardiner-White, said: “We were absolutely amazed when we found out we had won the Independent Retailer of the Year Award.

“We couldn’t believe we had won as we were up against some fantastic Somerset businesses, some of which have been around for years.

“Our staff thought we would win but Jax and I were convinced we wouldn’t so we were over the moon when we found out we had won.

“We just can’t believe it. We have only been in business for two years and feel so proud that we have won this award, especially when we were up against two fantastic businesses.

“We have a great team of staff here and great customers who continue to support us."

Rich said he hopes to host a party to celebrate the business’ second anniversary in the new year and he has high hopes for the store’s future.

He said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we have had from customers since winning the award.

“People have been coming into the store and congratulating us on our win. Everyone has been so positive and has been so supportive of us.

“Our customers are what keeps us going and we will continue to work to provide the best service possible for them in the future.”

Emily Hignall, who has worked at Gardiner-Whites since it opened in 2017, said: “I was absolutely blown away when I found out we had won the award.

“Since we won customers have been coming into the store congratulating us and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

"Rich and Jax work really hard to listen to what their customers want and I think this award represents that.

"They work hard to make sure items customers want are in store and listen to their feedback. I really enjoy working here and am looking forward to the future."