Chesterfield store owner is a national hero

Terry Caton, owner of the Londis Store and Post Office on Chatsworth Road, was one of three winners in the Shop Local, Shop Little Heroes Awards, created by the Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN).

Terry went over and above the norm to look after and support his community throughout the pandemic and is continuing to do so.

He has worked long hours, seven days a week to do everything he can to make sure he has the stock and availability for his customers, especially those who are more vulnerable.

In March 2020, he put a post on his Londis Facebook page offering a free delivery service for any groceries or essential items and Post Office services for same day delivery to anyone aged over 70 and self-isolating.

He recruited a team of local volunteer deliverers, with more than 100 people coming forward to support his efforts.

At the height of deliveries, Terry’s store was delivering to over 50 households a day and rewarded the 1,000th customer with free shopping. Throughout this time, he also donated to local food banks and a baby essentials charity, who struggled for stock when items were getting scarce.

He said: “I was both delighted and surprised to win the Heroes award, especially when I heard the brilliant things all the other finalists have done. It may be me who was presented with the award, but we couldn’t have done what we did without our fantastic team, so this is for everyone involved.”

NFRN National President Stuart Reddish said: “Terry, his team and their volunteers are outstanding examples of the fantastic work that is being done by independent retailers on a daily basis.

“Stores like this are the backbone of our communities. They fully deserved to be recognised for their dedication and determination to continue providing a first class service during the most difficult of times.”

Terry was presented with the award and hundreds of pounds worth of free stock at a celebration lunch held at the Ritz Hotel, in London.

He now goes forward to the national NFRN Awards, taking place in January, where the overall winner will be announced.

The Federation launched the Heroes awards to recognise the outstanding work done by its members to help and support their local communities.

This followed the successful Shop Local, Shop Little campaign, which reminded customers that local independent stores could still provide for all their needs while coronavirus restrictions were innplace.