Butcher, baker or sweet-maker?

7:22am Tuesday 25th March 2008

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OUR Retailer of the Year competition continues to go from strength to strength.

We have now received more than 200 entries with over 60 different retailers nominated.

Our competition, which is being run in conjunction with St Albans District Council and St Albans Civic Society, is already a major success - but we want more.

This week we are focusing on food and drinks retailer. Is your butcher the best there is? Does your baker always greet you with a friendly smile and a fresh loaf? Maybe you have visited the same sweet shop since you were a child or go to the same green grocer as your grandparents. Whatever the reason, make sure they are entered..

You can also enter your favourite trader in any of the six categories below. To nominate a trader simply fill out the form below and send it to us. Alternatively you can email the details of your nominee to revieweditor@london.newsquest.co.uk - entitle your email "retailer" or simply fill out the form in our Retailer of the Year section, entitled nomination form at www.stalbansreview.co.uk.

You can also text the details of your favourite retailer to 80360. Just text the word "st albans" and then include the name of your retailer and make sure you list the category you are entering them in.

Traders can enter themselves.

In May we will send out our army of mystery shoppers, who will put every nominated retailer to the test. Once we have visited every trader our committee will shortlist three retailers in each category.

The winner of each category will be announced at our awards evening which will be held on June 23 at the Alban Arena. The overall winner will be selected from one of the six category winners and will receive their award from our VIP guest. Ticket details will be announced later. Once a retailer has been nominated, they will receive a poster from us within a week which can be placed in their shop window telling everybody they have been entered into this prestigous competition.

Our six categories include:

• Specialist shops.

• Fashion and accessory retailers.

• Markets trader.

• Hair and beauty salons - including barbers.

• Food and drinks retailer - including sweet shops, butchers, bakers, etc.

• Café and restaurants - including restaurants in pubs and bars.

For more information on this great competition, see our website