The list of cheeses stocked at the Birkdale Cheese centre is long and endless. If you are looking for an after-dinner cheese board, cheese for a fondue, a ploughman's or trying to find that all important cheese for your recipe, they are here to help. Not only do they sell cheese, but also Conserves & Marmalade, Chutney and Relishes and Olives. Owner Debbie Sheedy says, "Don't be afraid to ask for a cheese if you don't see it; we will endeavour to source any brand from around the world. We take the lead very much from our customers, Lancashire Cheese is what the shop was built on and is still the foundation of the business. I am extremely proud of the atmosphere in my shop. It is not what you would get in a big supermarket. It is personal and we all have a laugh. The atmosphere is that of a local independent friendly business."

You cannot get as old fashioned as Halliday's fishmongory which has every shellfish you could imagine, on top of all your usual haddock, cod and salmon. They can also provide outside catering and game and poultry. The beauty of this little shop is that they know exactly when each fish was caught and where. The customer can always have the piece of mind they are buying good quality food. Owner Joanne Haliday says: "Birkdale is a small community and everyone helps each other out. Supermarkets might try and undercut us but they cannot beat us on service. We can prepare all the fish for our customers, in fact we can do everything bar cook it! We also have sauces and eggs etc - things people may not expect to get from a fishmongers." Joanne adds, "If people can't get out of their house for whatever reason I can personally delver everyhtihng they want to them. Sometimes they aske me to pick up items from some of the other shops as well and that is fine too. WE help in whatever way we can."

To make sure you eat your five a day are Stanley's Greengrocers which are on hand to provide you with the best produce at the best prices. It is a family business run by the Cores who are in their 20th year at their Birkdale shop. Viv Core says, "We have a wide range of groceries and when we go and buy produce if we see something new and different we always buy it and give it a try. If people come in and want to try something but aren't sure if they will like it we will chop it up and give them a piece so they can decide for themselves before buying! We think we offer a service most supermarkets won't and know our produce inside out. She continues, "Birkdale is a lovely little village full of small independent shops who all know what they are talking about and we love it."

As well as good quality produce for people Birkdale has good quality produce for animals as well. From wild bird food to brushes Pet care has everything you need to make sure your pet is happy and healthy. Sandra Ellis has owned the shop for 36 years this year and can't think of a better place to have her business. "I drew up outside the empty shop all those years ago and decided that was it, I wanted it. I have always been hugely fond of animals and loved being around them. I loved the idea of selling products for animals and have been here ever since. It is an great place and I have been here the longest out of all the businesses.

In Birkdale there is no need to go and choose your flooring from a huge impersonal warehouse in some industrial park. S J Carpets has everything under one roof including vinyl, laminate and wooden flooring and tiling. There is also a wide range of makes from Rhino to Karndean to Axminster. Owner Steve says, "Birkdale is a great little village and all the customers and shops know each other. It is unusual for areas to stay the way Birkdale has, it has kept the tradition feel which so many other places have lost."

When we said Birkdale had everything, we meant, everything, right down to the perfect tile for your hearth. Blazes is a franchise owned by Tony and can provide you with every heating system you could need. They supply contemporary and tradition fire surrounds and the latest technology when it comes to heating your home. They will also come to your home and install central heating from start to finish. Tony, owner of Blazes says: "Birkdale is such a versatile village which has got so much to offer. Not just to local people but for a far wider audience. It has lots of tradition shops you don't really see anymore such as the butchers, fishmongers and cheese shops and also has specialist shops such as Blazes and also the carpet shop. There is also a fantastic selection of bars and restaurants and so Birkdale is completely self contained."

Padded wallpaper!? Is there such a thing? There is in Stewarts Interiors. In fact, in this little boutique, there are things you would never ever think of to furnish and decorate your house. From ornate chairs to lamps more beautiful than many ornaments, to the padded wallpaper mentioned before. Owner Thelma Hughes says, "With twenty years experience Stewart Interiors has built up a strong client base with a reputation for high quality workman ship and design coupled with the ability to manage projects within a budget and on time. Birkdale is a busy little place which really encapsulates village life."

If you want an individual card you are probably not going to find in a chain shop look no further than Chocolates and Cards. Owner Brian Park has tried his best to get unique cards which are slightly 'different.' "'We specialise in Belgian and Swiss chocolates ," says Brian. "We are known for our quality cards with a difference including three dimensional cards and the Five Dollar Shake. In my shop you will find a whole world of cards which supermarkets simply don't stock. My wife Emma also makes handmade cards and no two are the same which means you will get a completely unique card for a friend or relative. If you want something different we are the place to get it."

Birkdale wouldnít be complete without its own clothing boutique selling occasion wear and accessories. It has everything your wardrobe needs including jewellery and handbags. Owner Kathy bought the shop three and half years ago and says, "I was born in Birkdale and love the area. There is free parking outside the shop which makes it very easy to access and I give a one to one service. We stock over 18 brands including Signiture, Oscar B, La Rochelle and Slimma in sizes 10- 18 so there really is something for everyone."

No village would be complete without the local watering hole. Woodwards, owned by ex- football manager Alan Stubbs is relaxed and welcoming in the day time and becomes a bustling bar in the evenings. Rick Howells, the manager says, "Birkdale is a real up and coming place. It is a very popular place to come for a quiet drink or a even a big night out. Woodwards is a very popular haunt and has a great atmosphere, it is perfect for Birkdale."

Set up in 1998 by Andrew Willet the business aims to combine traditional values of excellent levels of service and good value, with modern, state-of-the-art technology to provide you with the standards of eyecare that you and your eyes deserve. Andrew says, ""We aim to provide you with the best possible levels of professional care and service, whilst making your visit as relaxing and, dare we say it, enjoyable as possible. And we never underestimate the importance of giving you excellent value for money.Birkdale is a lovely place full of independent all ready to delivery the best service possible."

Headlines hair are waiting to make you look your best just in time for the party season. From flowing girls to spikey updos they can create almost anything you want. Headlineshair was founded by Tony Marriott in 1968 towards the end of one of the most innovative, influential and iconic decades in British fashion and hairdressing. The first salon was opened in Southport and Tony has since built-up a chain of 10 professional salons across the North West. Tony says, "Birkdale remains such a special place to work and visit. Local business for local people - where personal service and individual attention is guaranteed. We all know each other and help each other out."

Birkdale wouldn't be complete without a beauty salon and so into the role steps The Spa Lounge. They provide anything from waxing, tanning, makeovers, spa treatments and hair extensions. Owner Julie Hart says, "We moved here not so long ago and I was attracted to Birkdale because it was full of little shops owned by one person and they were all different. It is such a lovely unusual area. The salon is deceptively large and includes a hairdressers and several treatment rooms. We are very friendly and everyone who comes into the salon is always made to feel very welcome."