THE co-owner of a shop in Wellington is celebrating after being shortlisted in the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Cato Cooper, who co-owns The Emporium Somerset, is one of the finalists in the Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year category for Wales and the South-West.

She said: “I am over the moon to have been shortlisted. We opened in 2015, so to be recognised for such a prestigious award after such a short time is an honour, but I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without the help of my family, friends and all of the businesses that sell their items under our roof.

“I am among some fantastic company in the category and wish everyone the best of luck.”

Awards evenings will be held in Birmingham, London, Edinburgh and Manchester, and the awards ceremony for Wales and the South West will take place in Cardiff on November 22.

The Emporium is home to more than 50 shopkeepers selling homeware, garden and gift items.

Housed in a Victorian chapel, it stocks cards, home accessories, furniture, home and garden wares, jewellery, antiques, stationery, knick-knacks and a small selection of children’s toys.