Five out of ten businesses commended in the Forest Retail Awards are in Newent.

Forest of Dean District Council received over 200 nominations from shoppers, with 50 businesses being whittled down to a a shortlist of ten.

Although no Newent retailer won a best overall award, in the two categories of customer service and community work, the town dominated the final list.

All ten businesses shortlisted were highly commended. Town businesses to be given this honour included Christies greengrocers, Parkers hardware and gardening store, Snack-a-tack, Gooch Sports and Memento gift shop.