A shoe repair shop has been awarded a rotary shield for its services to Teddington.

The Rotary Club of Teddington and the Hamptons decided Berts shoe repairs was the most worthy of its trader award for services to the community.

The shop has been in Broad Street since 1965 and 76-year-old Bert Hawkett, from Walton, has worked there for about 45 years.

Mr Hawkett, who has been in the shoe repair trade for about 60 years and now works with his son and a part-time employee, said he was delighted to receive the award.

He said: “I was surprised actually. I was away on holiday at the time and I thought it was a joke. But it is very nice.

“I have never advertised at all and just work away here.”

Mr Hawkett was presented his award by the mayor of Richmond Councillor Meena Bond and the president of Teddington and the Hamptons Rotary, Richard Gee, on Monday, July 1.

Mr Gee said he was pleased that the award was going to a local trader who has been trading in the area for such a long time and is an independent.