A trio of convenience stores from across the county have been shortlisted for a national retail award.

The Better Retailing Awards 2014 recognise excellence in independent retailing and Budgens in Broadstairs, Simply Fresh in Faversham and Budgens in Whitsable have all been shortlisted.

Judges were impressed with the Kent stores' commitment to their shoppers and they will all go to a gala dinner in London in November, where the award winners will be announced.

Stefan Appleby, editor of Retail Express and co-chair of the industry judging panel at betterRetailing LIVE, said: “We have seen significant growth in sales from news and convenience stores and research suggests that customers now prefer to shop locally with people they know.

“We were impressed by all the stores that made the shortlist in Kent as they showed how they dedicated time to making sure they get their offer right for their shoppers.

"We were impressed by all the stores that made the shortlist in Kent..." - Stefan Appleby

A two-month judging process was used to draw up the shortlisted retailers.

Budgens in Broadstairs has been selected for its customer service and Simply Fresh in Faversham for in-store theatre.

Budgens in Whitsable has been shortlisted for staff development, responsible retailing and environmental sustainability.

For more information visit betterRetailing.com/IAA