IT’S described as “an oasis in the desert” for walkers on the Wolds Way – and it’s been nominated by several readers for The Press’ Shop Of The Year award.

The Old Post Office at Thixendale, a village tucked away in a valley in the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds, has been run by Maude and Eric Smith for 48 years.

Irene Daley, of Bakewell, Derbyshire, said: “Maude and Eric’s shop is like an oasis in the desert for the hundreds of people who walk the Wolds Way, or who are just passing through Thixendale. As it is right in the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds, their friendly Yorkshire personalities just fit the bill and their welcome and customer service is second to none.”

Leslie Ingram, of Market Weighton, said: “The jewel of this village is the Old Post Office. To seek its provisions opens a lesser known world, and this is all one needs to refresh the traveller and also the needs of the community.

“It has home grown vegetables, eggs with a special taste and other country delights too many to list. It’s a yesterday shop – far removed from the coldness of supermarkets.”

Another reader said: “It’s a haven for walkers who swamp the village at weekends. It’s a wonderful place – the little village shop that has everything.”

The shop of the year contest is being held to boost the retail sector as part of The Press’s York Means Business campaign, with the aim of rewarding exceptional quality of service.

The winners will enjoy the fabulous prize of a luxury night for two at York’s Dean Court Hotel, followed by a champagne breakfast, before being whisked to York Racecourse in a limo from White Stretch Limousines to attend The Press Family Raceday on Sunday, September 6, where the shop owners can be joined by members of their staff.