The village shop at South Chailey has won through to the second round of the We're in Business awards.

The general store and sub-post office polled the highest number of votes from the six Sussex businesses nominated for the title of Britain's favourite business.

Martin and Margaret Rutt took on the job of running South Chailey's only shop after Martin took early retirement from his job as a Seeboard manager.

Two years later, the couple have transformed the South Chailey Post Office and Stores into a thriving business.

With the help of their son, Chris, and ten members of staff, they worked long hours to keep the village supplied with everything from stamps to home-baked frozen ready-meals.

Villagers said the shop, which is centrally positioned in South Street, had undergone a transformation since the Rutt's takeover.

There has been a complete change of layout and the introduction of electronic tills and modern stock-taking controls.

Other improvements included the establishment of an in-store bakery for bread and cakes and a delicatessen section.

It was all music to the ears of the South Chailey residents, whose nearest supermarket is a 20-minute drive away in Haywards Heath.

After the store was nominated, Martin contacted most of his customers through a newsletter to persuade them to cast their votes for the shop.

He said: "Everyone in the shop and the village is proud to have made it through to the next round.

"I feel it is a great achievement for a small business like ours in a small village.

"Being involved in the competition has meant a lot to us.

"Our staff are very important to us and have been our best investment.

"I see us all as a team, working together on behalf of our customers."

While Martin is mainly involved with the shop, Margaret has taken on the role of sub-postmistress and runs the post office side of the business.

Chris joins the staff during holidays from university.

Shortly after taking over the business, Martin started a regular newsletter for his customers and took on the role of Father Christmas, visiting dozens of homes across the village.

Villagers think the Rutts are doing a great job at the shop and appreciate their commitment to using local suppliers where possible.

The shop currently stocks local honey, locally made frozen food and local-grown herbs and plants among other items.

Martin and Margaret's shop has also become something of a social centre for the village.

Many regulars now stop to chat after buying their essentials.

Employee Maureen Durrant said: "They are good employers and great fun.

"We all muck in together and we really feel appreciated.

"They will give anyone a chance."