A Carmarthenshire shop and Post Office has been nominated for an award.

Dryslwyn Community Shop and Post Office is a finalist in the 'Investing in Local People' category for the 2024 Rural Community Business Awards.

The shop, which has been community-run since it was saved from closure in 2008, is entirely volunteer-led.

It even operated without pause through the covid pandemic.

The shop collaborates with various organisations, including Menter and Cwrt Henri Primary School.

It also hosts supported work placements and student work experience.

A director and long-serving volunteer, Simon Fraser, said: "My volunteering at Dryslwyn is led by my strong belief in community.

"I love the opportunity to meet and help people.

"It’s important to me that we offer daily essentials and that includes fellowship, assistance, sympathy, and concern.

"We’re a common location for common good."

The shop is now looking to extend its success with the ambitious SiopNEWydd project scheme, which aims to provide new premises from which it can deliver even more for the community.

Project lead, Nigel Jones, said: "SiopNEWydd has revealed a wealth of new talent and shown us all that we can all gain new skills and friends by working together.

"Pooling enthusiasm helps individuals and the community to thrive."

Almost 70 individuals from across the UK put forward their community businesses and individual champions for the eight categories in this year’s awards.

Gemma Sills, Plunkett UK’s engagement manager, said: "It has been inspiring to see so many people nominate their local community-owned businesses, truly emphasising the significant role they play in their communities.

"We celebrate the considerable impact each one is making in its own local area and we are looking forward to next month’s awards event when the winners are announced."

Plunkett UK is a national charity that supports people in rural areas to set up and run a wide range of businesses in community ownership.

It does this to achieve its UK-wide vision for resilient, thriving, and inclusive rural communities.

There are more than 800 community-owned businesses across the UK, and each one is owned by community members.

They can be any type of business ranging from village shops, pubs, and cafes, through to woodlands, fisheries, and farms.

The awards are sponsored by Bestway Wholesale and hosted by Plunkett UK.

The Investing in Local People category award is sponsored by Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Coin Street Conference Centre in London on October 23.