A VILLAGE store almost destroyed by fire just months ago is now in with a chance of being crowned the top shop in the UK.

Customers of Crescent Stores in Leasingham, have voted their local shop one of the best in the country as part of the 13th annual Robert Wiseman Dairies Neighbourhood Shop Of The Year competition.

Manager Paul Sherriff has won the respect of residents after rebuilding the shop in St Andrew's Crescent following a serious fire in March.

The blaze ripped through the building leaving it very badly damaged but in the true community spirit, Paul completed the refurbishment within three weeks so locals would not miss out.

His shop is now one of 143 regional finalists hoping to take the crown.

Paul, 48, who took over the company seven years ago, said it would be a proud moment if he won.

"This shop was near to closing when I took it over and now it is the heart of the community," said Paul, who is accompanied during his day job by pet pooch Sid.

"I still don't know who put us forward, but it will mean a lot to be recognised."

The store saw off competition from more than 500 shops nationwide to secure a place at the regional finals, getting more than 100 votes from customers.

During the next two months Crescent Stores will be assessed by mystery shoppers and the finalists will be whittled down to 25 nationwide.

The grand finals will be held in December at Loch Lomond in Scotland.

Sharon Chamberlain, 36, who lives across the road from the shop, is one of many local fans.

Mrs Chamberlain, who manages a Greggs bakery in Sleaford, added: "It's not really like a shop at all, it's such a friendly place to have a chat.

"Paul has worked so hard to get the shop up and running after the fire, so it would be well deserved."

Customer Pauline Hall agreed, saying: "I think the shop is super. I hope he wins."

Sandy Wilkie, sales and marketing director for Robert Wiseman Dairies, added: "This competition shows how much communities rely on these stores and their staff."