THE third Retailer of the Year evening proved to be the biggest and best yet with one long-standing market trader rewarded for more than three decades of hardwork.

Event co-founders the St Albans and Harpenden Review, St Albans District Council, St Albans Civic Society and St Albans Chamber of Commerce staged yet another hugely successful evening - proving bigger and better than previous events - with retailers recognised for their excellent service in six different categories. For the first time, the gala evening introduced a new category, the STAR award, which aims to reward someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Review editor Martin Buhagiar opened the ceremony by reiterating the aim of the campaign - to protect the vast array of independent shops, restaurants, cafes, market stalls, boutiques and beauty salons in the district.

He said: "I hope that this competition succeeds in its aim of shining the spotlight on your establishments as well as increasing the footfall in St Albans city centre."

After putting more than 100 individual traders to the test, mystery shoppers voted for their favourites and the difficult task of short-listing entries was left to a committee comprising its chair Roma Mills, councillor Melvyn Teare and Salih Gaygusuz; St Albans Civic Society's Eric Roberts, Sandra Oldfield, former president of St Albans District Chamber of Commerce, council officer Maria Cutler and Review Editor Martin Buhagiar.

After much debate, the dozens of worthy contenders were wittled down to five and a winner was selected in each of the six categories - specialist shops, fashion and accessories, market trader, cafe and restaurants, hair and beauty and food and drink.

The judges agreed Sycamore Wholefoods deserved to be named 2010 Retailer of the Year on the night.

Brother and sister partnership Pam and Nick Antink opened the stall, which sells natural food products, some 34 years ago. Pam said: "It's a really special award. It's an accumulation of the effort we have put in over the years. It's almost like a little crown after all these years." Business partner Patrick Jeavons, who collected the award on the night on behalf of his colleagues, added: "I'm so proud our hard work has paid off.

"We have kept community shopping alive against all the big supermarkets who we are in direct competition with. We have become a voice in the wilderness."

It was also a memorable night for Pots of Art, which was hailed the winner of the STAR award and presented by St Albans Mayor Maxine Crawley.

During the evening guests tucked into a vast buffet provided by the committee, Café Paprika, Freddies, Buon Amici, Buongiorno Italia and winner of our inaugural Retailer of the Year A&C Meats while being entertained by band, Beausanver.