A SPECIALIST shop that gives a darn good service has joined Messenger's Counter Action roll of honour.

HMK Wools, on Flixton Road, Urmston, is one of the few wool shops in the borough.

It has been a wool shop for many years, but was only taken over by owner Sharon Berkley in October.

The shop provides school uniforms, as well as an extensive wool range.

Sharon says that knitting is again becoming fashionable, thanks to it being endorsed by stars such as Madonna.

And she is doing her bit to encourage youngsters to learn the skill by sponsoring knitting in schools in the area. She has provided wool and needles to schools, and some of these have set up knitting clubs.

Sharon said: "A lot of our customers are local people but a lot also come from other areas. They are attracted by our quality and range.

She believes the secret of running a successful shop is "to be a part of the community and give good customer care."

Sharon - who runs the shop single-handed - said of her nomination: "It is wonderful to be nominated and that my customers think so highly of me."

She was nominated by customer Mrs M Shepherd who said: "When the previous owner sold his shop we thought we would lose the last remaining wool shop in our area. But, thank goodness, along came Sharon. She is very helpful, very friendly and nothing is too much trouble for her."