BORDERS businesses have received recognition at a national awards ceremony following their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

The High Street Heroes Awards were organised by the Scotland Loves Local campaign.

Now it has been revealed that the Borders section was won by a Peebles health food business.

Emma Reid, owner of The Super Store, on the town’s Bridgegate, said she felt "utterly gobsmacked and completely humbled" by her triumph.

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"To be recognised in this way for playing my part in the collective community effort during the COVID-19 lockdown is a huge honour."

Ms Reid has run her business for the past four years, and added that she feels "grateful" to have continued to work during lockdown.

"My business is bricks and mortar with a bit of social media thrown in for giggles," she said.

"There is no website or ordering system or delivery van so I feel proud that I managed to work through emails, Facebook messages and phone calls to fulfill orders and get them delivered from Biggar across to Walkerburn whilst juggling three children and three dogs.

"This is a rural area so lockdown was a very isolating time for a lot of people."

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Nominations for the High Street Heroes competition closed on September 11.

Ms Reid's nominator said: "If there's any way she can help, she's on it. 

"During lockdown she was concerned for those who didn't fit into any government benefit categories.

“She organised a voucher scheme funded by local donations. These were distributed in local shops and could be used to pay for food or utilities. 

"To help those shielding, Emma – and her sons – made regular deliveries to communities outside of Peebles, bringing much needed supplies."

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Before opening The Super Store, Ms Reid worked in social care, something which she has tried to bring to her new role in retail, especially when making kind gestures.

"It doesn’t have to be a magnanimous gesture," she said. "Sometimes all it takes is time to listen. In this case, it was sourcing flour and yeast – lots and lots of flour and yeast!"

Four other Borders businesses were praised for their work during the pandemic.

Broughton Village Store, Forsyth's Butchers and Bakers (Peebles), Eoin Frame Newsagents (Newtown St Boswells), and Down To Earth (Selkirk) were all given Highly Commended awards.