THE Costcutter store on Heysham road has beaten off hundreds of competitors to become a regional finalist in a 'top shop' competition.

The 'Robert Wiseman Dairies Neighbourhood Shop of the year competition' was founded five years ago to allow customers of independent neighbourhood shops to show their appreciation for good service and nominate their store for the prize. A spokesman said this shop has done exceptionally well, with competition from 600 other shops in the country, and the owners will now enter the national final held in Glasgow on the 23 November.