Our local heroes

We salute the nation's biggest-hearted shopkeepers

- Robert Kellaway

THREE caring shopkeepers who go the extra mile for their communities have been named Britain's Local Retail Champions.

Mum-of-three Natalie Lightfoot and father and son Manish and Raj Suchak have raised thousands for charity and are behind countless good deeds for those they serve.

They won £25,000 - £5,000 in cash and £20,000 for a store makeover in the competition, run by National Lottery operator Allwyn and the Daily Express.

Nearly 1,000 shopkeepers were nominated by their customers.

It came after the Express highlighted the heroes who went above and beyond to help their customers.

As well as caring for children aged three, seven and 12, Natalie, 42, constantly looks out for the people who visit the Londis Solo Convenience store in Baillieston, Glasgow, that she runs with her husband Martin, 44.

She has organised litter picks, road safety campaigns, kids' Halloween nights and provided free deliveries for all her customers during Covid.

Natalie also runs a community festival every year, visited by more than 400 people.

It includes a free barbecue, face painting, children's games and a tombola and a raffle in aid of three charities.

And despite being terrified of heights, she even did a bungee jump from the Killiecrankie Bridge with her seven staff to help raise £3,600 for Beatson Cancer, Versus Arthritis and the British Heart Foundation.

Passionate

The store also donates food to community shops and period products, to help cash-strapped families with schoolgirls.