TWO amazing independent businesses on the Isle of Wight have scooped the top prize at the ninth Muddy Stilettos Awards.

Readers of the Muddy Stilettos lifestyle website have been nominating and voting for their favourite independent businesses across 27 different lifestyle categories across Hampshire and the Island.

Seaview Art Gallery, on the High Street, was named the Best Art Space.

Linda Groves, owner of Seaview Art Gallery, said: “It’s been a challenging year this year, so this has just been the most wonderful thing to happen.

“Knowing so many people are behind The Gallery as a business, me, as the passionate driving force, and all the artist's incredible work is just what was needed.

“Thank you so very much to everyone who voted for Seaview Art Gallery.”

Medina Bookshop in Cowes has claimed the title of Best Book Shop.

A spokesperson from Medina Bookshop said: “We're absolutely over the moon to share that we have won the Best Bookshop award for the Muddy Stilettos 2022 Awards.

“We are so proud of our little bookshop and want to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for us! It really does mean the world.”

Both Island businesses, and the other category winners across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, will be put through to the National Muddy Stilettos Awards 2022, to be judged through the summer.