THE owner of a threatened pet store was rewarded this morning (Monday) for the excellence of his service to the community by being named 'Shopkeeper of the Year.'

The future of Heads 'N' Tails - Wanstead's only pet shop - remains in doubt more than three years after its owner was told the business may have to move from its current home in the High Street, by landlord WX Investments.

Mas Beg, who has run the 46-year-old business since 1999, has been left in limbo ever since he was told he might have to relocate so the site can be redeveloped - a situation some fear could be imminent after it was revealed that an application granted on appeal five years ago to extend the premises and add a new shop front is set to expire this July.

But the 54-year-old father-of-two was in a positive mood today when he was joined at the shop by customers and well-wishers who saw him named Shopkeeper of the Year by the Wanstead Society.

Mr Beg, who provided champagne and nibbles for those who attended, thanked the community for its support.

He said: "I've been here for eleven years, so it's nice to be given this award.

"We have great customers here.

"Thank you to everyone who came along today."

His colleague at the shop, Trevor Spicer, 52, said: "He's a great bloke and has gone out of his way to help a lot of customers over the years.

"There was one elderly lady who had her bag stolen and he took her home and made sure she was alright.

"He even took one customer's stuff to the laundrette for her.

"He deserves this award, but our customers have been brilliant too.

Billie Figg, of the Wanstead Society, said: "Mas is a credit to Wanstead High Street and deserves this award for all of his hard work and dedication over the years."