THEY have been dubbed the beating hearts of communities across Hampshire.

Newsagents are places where you bump into friends and catch up on the gossip, whether you are buying a paper or popping in for a pint of milk.

Now the Daily Echo is asking readers to tell us why their newsagent or convenience store is the best.

How important is your newsagent to your community? Has it done anything remarkable to help? Are you always welcomed with a smiley face?

All those nominated will be in with a chance of being crowned Southern Daily Echo Newsagent of the Year.

The reigning winner of the prestigious award is Newsmaster in Portswood, Southampton.

As well as reader feedback, judges were impressed by Newsmaster being a good point of sale for Newsquest titles and its successful home delivery service.

Speaking to the Daily Echo after the awards ceremony Dalginder Singh, whose family founded the business almost 30 years ago, praised his staff and spoke of their pride at winning the award.

He added: “It’s nice to know that what we do on a day-to-day basis is appreciated by our customers.”

This year’s winning newsagent will receive £100 in vouchers plus a plaque telling locals it is the best in the south.

It will also be entered into the National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN) Local Awards Southern Region 15, which will be announced at a glitzy ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Reading, on May 8.

How to nominate

To nominate your favourite newsagent simply complete the form published above and send it to Newsagent of the Year, Southern Daily Echo, PO box 543, Southampton SO16 9ZQ.