NORTH Curry Community Coffee Shop has beaten competition from across the country to receive a prestigious award.

It was recognised by charity the Plunkett Foundation with the Investing in Local People Award for its work to invest in staff and volunteers.

The cafe, which opened in 2006, is a community benefit society and rewards every hour a volunteer works with a point, with the volunteer nominating a charity to benefit from it.

The points are accumulated over six months, with the management committee deciding how much surplus funds they can donate to charity.

Sheila Brown, from the coffee shop, said: "We are delighted, it (the award) is very prestigious. I’m sure that everyone involved in our coffee shop will be delighted as well."

The Plunkett Foundation supports rural communities to tackle issues they face through community business and the coffee shop won £250 as part of the award.

Foundation chief executive James Alcock said: “It was innovation and true investment in local people which drew the judges towards North Curry Community Coffee Shop.

"Their impressive and well thought out points system is something to inspire its volunteers."

Nigel Kaye, of award sponsor Suma Co-op, said: "The Investing in Local People Award was especially tough with some great entries for the top award, but the North Curry Community Coffee Shop, with its dedication and unique way of saying thank you to its volunteers, was the stand out entry.

"A points scheme which was both innovative and a great way to reward the volunteers and the community at the same time."