A specialist independent Lincoln retailer has beaten off regional competition to become the best vegan and vegetarian outlet.
Linda Wardale, owner of Yellowbellys on Gordon Road off Bailgate, is now the proud owner of a Viva! Award certificate.
Linda won the award to best shop for vegans and vegetarians in the North East area of the UK at the 20th anniversary awards.
The business is also known for its handmade egg, dairy and gluten-free cupcakes, birthday and other celebration cakes.
Mum Sarah Small often visits Yellowbellys with her 20-month-old son Harry.
She said: “Harry is allergic to dairy and egg products, so we pop in now and then for various items, including cakes. Linda has a good selection.”
Linda said: “Viva! Founder and Director Juliet Gellatley wrote to me a couple of months ago to say that our shop had been nominated for an award. After that, it was a case of trying to encourage people to vote for us.
“My daughter Jen posted an appeal on Facebook, to rally support, and we made a flyer to display in the shop. People saw them and said they would vote, but of course we had no idea whether they actually would.
“I hadn’t heard anything so I thought that was that, until the postman called the other day and handed me a parcel containing the certificate, which now has pride of place in Yellowbellys.
“I still have no idea who nominated us, but I am thrilled at my success.”