A SHOPKEEPER who 'just wants to make people happy' has beaten hundreds of others to win a 'rural hero' award at the rural oscar.

Robert Ruck who runs Wellington Shop and Post Office, has been as the 'rural hero' in the Midland's Village shop / Post Office category in the Countryside Alliance's Rural Oscars awards.

Kingland Post Office in Leominster were given a 'highly commended' in the awards.

Over 400 shops from across the country were nominated for the award with the regional winners invited to the House of Lords to collect their accolade.

Judges came to visit the 48 regional finalists before handing Wellington Shop the 'rural hero' title.

"I've never been to the House of Lords before so it will be really nice," said Robert

"People come and see me in the shop because I'm just a normal guy. Some of the elderly people from the village visit to have a chat.

"You wouldn't get that in a supermarket where you are lucky to get a good morning from the checkout assistant."

The local parish council owns the purpose-built premises which was constructed in June 2014 and serves as a community hub including a Parish Room.

Since opening the shop three years ago the services provided at the building keeps expanding and now include a library ran by volunteers next door.

The shop also bakes its own bread and sells ice cream due to popular demand.

"The reason I started the shop three years ago was after speaking to people and what they wanted in the village," said Robert.

"I listen to people and their ideas. I love meeting people and keep saying that if customers didn't come through my door then I wouldn't still be here.

"I just want to make people happy and if I can't achieve that in a day then I haven't done what I set out for.

"The shop started from the ashes and is now up and coming."

Mr Ruck added that his shop also helps people who are lost or in need of assistance.

He is also able to put people in touch with each other, such as local tradesman, and enjoys the friendships he has built with residents.