Big celebrations! Our local grocery shop (home of the KitiKat curry mix) has won an award.

National win is spice of life for food store
THE owner of a Cambridge store is celebrating after being named neighbourhood retailer of the year at a national awards ceremony.

Abdul Arain, 38, said it was an honour for his Al-Amin store in Mill Road, Cambridge, to be given the award by Asian Trader magazine.

Mr Arain said: "It's down to the hard work of all the people who work here and the support of our family. It's a blessing from the Almighty.

"We feel we look after our community. I am one of the few people who genuinely enjoys going to work. The people I work with and who frequent the shop are a delight."

Mr Arain said reps from a supplier had asked customers to back a nomination for the store.

A mystery customer from Asian Trader then visited the store and spoke to staff and customers.

Mr Arain said: "When they came I didn't know who they were. Subsequently they made an appointment to talk to us."

The store, which is dubbed the melting pot of cuisine and culture, sells ingredients from around the world and customers can watch demonstrations by culinary experts.

It made an impression with the judges and won the award during a ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in London's Park Lane.

Mr Arain said: "It's quite an achievement and we are delighted."