AN INDEPENDENT lingerie and fashion shop is hoping for lots of support now it’s in the running for a national award.

Marie Boutique, based in Bath Street, Abingdon, has beaten 400 others to reach the finals of Stars Underlines Best Shop Award in the category of Best Concept Store.

The national awards celebrate the achievements of the best independent, department and speciality stores in the UK and Ireland.

Founder of Marie Boutique Amanda Prior said she was ecstatic to have been nominated.

She said: “We are so proud to be a finalist at these prestigious awards and for a local independent boutique to be recognised among many nominations from around the country.

“We’ve worked hard at creating a special environment where customers can find unique products that they won’t find anywhere else on the High Street, as well as offering our professional bra fitting service and excellent customer service. This is the third time we have been nominated for these awards so we are keeping everything crossed.”

Manager Verity Robinson added: “We have been nominated three years before so it would be great to win. It’s so good to get the recognition from our suppliers and key people in the industry.”

The boutique has been selected as a finalist in the Best Concept Store category from more than 400 nominations. It was recognised for its mix of lingerie, swimwear and fashion as well as a new website – puremarie.com – launched in July.

The awards, organised by Underlines magazine, will be independently judged by a jury of 22 international brands in swimwear, lingerie and hosiery.

A gala ceremony takes place on Thursday at the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.