Two Monmouthshire companies have been named the best in Wales at the Countryside Alliance Awards.

Dingestow Post Office and General Store was named Village Shop/ Post Office Champion, while NS James Butchers of Raglan won the butcher category.

The winners were announced at a packed reception at the Senedd last Wednesday night (2nd February).

Myra Bowen (pictured below), who runs Dingestow Post Office, said she was "really, really pleased" to have won the award.

"We were invited to go along, so we knew we were in the running, but had no idea we would get first place," she said.

"We have been runners-up a couple of times so it was a really nice thing to happen.

"We work hard seven days a week and it is hard work, but something like this makes it worthwhile.

"It is also good for the area as it helps put Dingestow on the map. We are only a small village off the beaten track but we feel we are doing a good service in a rural area."

The shop was visited by Countryside Alliance director for Wales Rachel Evans.

"When she came in the shop was quite busy, which was good," said Myra.

"We used a £5,000 grant from the Welsh Assembly to open up a bit more, which we were chuffed to be able to do."

Rachel Evans said the store was "a shining example of a hub of the community, a lifeline, a retailer but also a friend to local residents.

"Having run the business alongside her husband Haydn for the past 12 years, Myra Bowen has demonstrated sustainability and her dedication to the community is evident as callers come through the door for all manners of things.

"With help from the Welsh Assembly Government's Post Office Development Fund, it has meant that extra floor space has been made available, and improvements to the storage facilities too.

"The door at Dingestow Post Office is very much always open."

For full story see Beacon 09/02/11.