'A problem shared is a problem halved'

A SHOPKEEPER says customers call him their "psychiatrist" as he listens and helps with their problems.

- By Charlie Bradley

Kuldeep Singh, 54 - known as "Carl" - has been named a Local Retail Champion by National Lottery operator Allwyn.

He was nominated for the prize by members of his local community who were blown away with the efforts made by Carl, his wife Pamanjit, 54, and his dad Surinder, 77, to support them.

The family work to stay open 12 hours every day, which has been the case since Surinder founded the business in 1980.

Carl, who has worked full time in the store since he was 16, said: "We try to help as best we can, particularly with our older customers and the people who might be struggling to make ends meet.

"Sometimes we just have a cup of tea and a slice of cake and listen to whatever is worrying them and try to help. We spend time helping people sort out their phones, which have become so complicated, particularly for elderly customers.