WHETHER it's helping shoppers going through a difficult time or being a friendly face whenever you pop into their store, we we really touched by some of the nominations we received in our latest Customer Service Award category.

Hundreds of you filled out our nomination form to give one of Warrington's stores and their staff a well-deserved pat on the back.

Based on the volume of nominations and the nominations that had a really personal touch, we have put together the following shortlist for readers to vote on.

Votes can be submitted via our online poll at the bottom of this story or by emailing us at competition@nqnw.co.uk with the name of your winner.

(Please make sure you spell your winner's name correctly or your email vote won't be counted.)

You have got until 9am on Wednesday, April 3 to submit your votes.

The winner will be announced in a special supplement in the Warrington Guardian newspaper later this spring and decided based on 50% readers' votes and 50% judges' final decision.

SHORTLIST FOR WARRINGTON'S RETAILER OF THE YEAR

1. Dolly Daydream - town centre

'You always get service with a smile' is just one of the ways this women's fashion store on Horsemarket Street was described.

The boutique claims to bring 'celebrity-inspired glamour' to the town centre and owner Helen was praised was 'always remembering customer's names'.

Another nomination added: "Strangely enough I don't actually enjoy shopping so when I need an outfit I go in and tell them the occasion and they bring the outfits to me.

"They choose things I wouldn't ordinarily select and the outfits always work."

2. News Stop - town centre

Another nomination for a Horsemarket Street shop with customers describing Sef from the business as a 'ray of sunshine'.

He was praised for spending time to chat to his customers including one 80-year-old lady who lives alone.

She added: "He always greets me with a big smile and shakes my hand.

"He is such a lovely genuine guy which is a refreshing change from some other retailers who can't even be bothered to say thank you.

"I have also heard comments from other elderly folk who say he is always kind with them."

3. Lizard Inc Records - town centre

Based on Legh Street, customers described this record store as 'very knowledgeable about music' and said they 'always make you feel welcome for a chat'.

One nomination added: "It's a great independent store and you can tell Ste (the owner) and Tom (his son) love what they do.

"They always go out of their way to find what you want whether they have it in store or if he has to find it for you."

4. Laundry B - Stockton Heath

One nomination said the staff at this boutique on London Road 'changed her life at a point when she needed it most'.

With a huge following online, the store says they 'cherry pick amazing pieces' during their buying trips.

The nomination added: "It may sound dramatic but it's true.

"I had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and due to treatment I had gained a lot of weight and lost all confidence in my appearance and dress sense.

"I told Jo my story and she took me under her wing and, very sensitively and empathetically, suggested various outfits and styling to my new way of life (as surgery involved me having a colostomy).

"I walked out of her shop with a spring in my step and new found confidence which has continued to the present day."

5. Donna Marie - Stockton Heath

This independent gift boutique on London Road appears to have helped many people looking for that perfect gift.

Whether it's a last-minute surprise or looking for something 'that little bit different', shoppers said they have spent many an hour browsing this store.

One nomination added: "It's the little touches that make this store special like giving out free cups of mulled wine at Christmas time.

"It's a real asset to the village."

THIS VOTE HAS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU FOR VOTING