ROADWATER Post Office and Stores scooped the top prize at the annual Accessible Somerset Awards run by charity Compass Disability Services.

The awards recognise businesses and services that have gone the extra mile for disabled people, not simply in terms of physical accessibility, but by providing an excellent all-round service.

Roadwater Post Office and Stores was named overall county winner and also picked up the service award for the West Somerset District at a special ceremony held at Compass Disability Services' offices in Taunton.

Judges decided the Roadwater business was deserving of the top prize for providing physical access - including ramps as well as steps inside the shop and ensuring all aisles are kept clutter-free - and for the excellent quality of service.

Nominations described the shop's "above and beyond factor", while other comments included: "They will pick up orders from their customers when they can't get to the shop due to illness or weather and there is always a happy smile on the face of staff."

Other winners in the West Somerset district were: Primrose Hill Holidays of Blue Anchor (accommodation category), Orchard Social Club of Timberscombe (recreation), and Brambles Coffee Shop in Minehead (place to eat).

The West Somerset awards were presented by Cllr Eddie May, chairman of West Somerset Council.

The Accessible Somerset Awards are now in their third year and give people the chance to nominate services and businesses, which are then judged by a panel of disabled people.

Awards co-ordinator Nat Stevens said: "Thank you to everyone who made a nomination for the awards and many congratulations to all the winners.

"We were pleased to receive around 100 nominations from members of the public for businesses and services considered worthy of an award for accessibility or for providing an excellent service to disabled people.

"Thanks also to the panel of disability community champions who gave up their time to judge the awards."