STAFF at a south Shropshire independent supermarket chain are all “pumped up” after claiming two top prizes in a nationwide petrol retailers’ competition.

Ludlow’s Harry Tuffins filling station was named as the best main route site in the UK and also won the category of best main route independent dealer in the UK with up to nine sites at the Forecourt Trader of the Year Awards.

It’s not the first time that the family-run group has come top in the awards. In 2007 it won in exactly the same categories. The Ludlow store was also named the Nisa store of the year (under 3,000ft) in 2007.

The award scheme, now in its 11th year, recognises and rewards the hard work and skills of petrol retailers, particularly highlighting the businesses that have shown high standards in an increasingly competitive sector.

Judges said they were particularly impressed with the range of goods on offer, prices, the layout and management as well as the staff knowledge and courtesy at the petrol station, which deals with an average of 15,000 customers a week.

The awards were picked up on behalf of Harry Tuffins by Ludlow store manager Ed Prosser. He was joined by the company’s joint chairman Ruby Delves and managing director Paul Delves – the daughter and grandson of the firm’s founder – for the 70sthemed event at London’s Park Lane Hilton.

Mr Prosser said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the two titles for a second year.

“It is a reflection of the work and effort we have put into providing a value for money local service.”

The company did not enter in 2008 as it was having an extra fuel pump lane put in.

The Ludlow store and petrol station is one of a group which includes branches in Knighton, Churchstoke, Craven Arms, Machynlleth, Bishop’s Castle, Ludlow and Cleobury Mortimer.