A YOUNG woman who saved her village shop from closure has won a prestigious business award.

Christine Hope reopened the shop, in Longtown, Herefordshire, in December 2001, after it was forced to close for three months because the previous owner had been ill.

Now the hard work and commitment of the 24-year-old in establishing Hopes of Longtown, which sells local produce as well as grocery products, have been recognised in the Shell LiveWire Awards.

Miss Hope took out the title of Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Shell LiveWire awards, which encourage young people aged under 30-years-old to start their own businesses.

Miss Hope received her award, and a cheque for £500, at an awards lunch at Yamazaki Machinery, in Badgeworth Drive, Warndon yesterday.

She received her prize from Dr David Jack, managing director at Yamazaki Machinery, which supports the scheme, now in its 21st year.

"The judges were very impressed by Christine and her business has outstanding potential," said Steve Ricketts, awards co-ordinator at Worcestershire County Council.

"Christine's enthusiasm and ability make her a real LiveWire!"

Miss Hope will now go on to represent Herefordshire and Worcestershire in the West Midlands regional final, due to take place on Tuesday, May 20, at Aston Villa Football Club, Birmingham.

If successful, she will go on to the national finals, in June, and a chance to walk away with the first prize of £10,000.

Judges scrutinised finalists' business plans and held interviews to assess their business acumen. Judges also assessed the long-term viability of the business, and its impact on the local community and the environment.

Miss Hope was up against two other young women for the title.

Lara Knight, 20, runs LMK Computer Solutions, a PC home-repair service, in Kidderminster.

Clare Hale, 27, set up Holly's House, in October, 2002, a Bromsgrove-based nanny and childcare agency that matches families with approved childcare workers.

"I had returned from travelling and there were no jobs offering career opportunities and good money," said Miss Hope, who was born in Longtown.

"So I thought, if I'm not going to earn much anyway, I might as well be doing it for myself!"

She said the skills she was learning would be useful for the rest of her life, and she may expand the business into a chain of shops.

For more information about Shell LiveWire phone 0845 757 3252 or visit: www.shell-livewire.org