COTTINGHAM – Hull North & Cottingham MP Dame Diana Johnson has named Lisa Gray, organiser of Cottingham Market and owner of The Little Cheese Pantry, as the first winner of her new Community Champion award.
Lisa is one of the most recognisable stallholders in East Yorkshire. Her business, The Little Cheese Pantry, has become a fixture both at Cottingham Market and at Beverley’s busy Saturday Market, where it enjoys a loyal following. Known for high-quality cheeses and dairy products, the stall has earned a reputation across the region, making Lisa a well-known and trusted figure among shoppers and fellow traders alike.
Beyond her own stall, Lisa plays a vital role in Cottingham’s community as the organiser of the market itself. She supports dozens of independent traders, manages the logistics that keep the event running smoothly, and helps ensure the market remains a thriving part of village life. For many, Cottingham Market is not just a place to shop but a social hub, and Lisa’s efforts have been central to keeping that tradition alive.
Announcing the award, Dame Diana Johnson praised Lisa’s dedication. “Lisa was the perfect choice for our first Cottingham Community Champion,” she said. “She has worked tirelessly to support local enterprise and ensure Cottingham Market remains at the heart of village life. Her work benefits not just stallholders but the whole community, keeping Cottingham a thriving and welcoming place.”
Markets have long been at the heart of East Yorkshire life, from Beverley’s historic Saturday Market to Cottingham’s busy village square. They bring people together, sustain independent businesses and keep alive traditions that might otherwise be lost to chain stores and online shopping. Lisa Gray’s work across both Cottingham and Beverley shows how important committed individuals are in keeping these spaces vibrant.
The Community Champion award will be presented monthly to celebrate those who go the extra mile for Cottingham. For Lisa Gray, this first award is recognition not only of her successful business but of her years of quiet dedication to building stronger, more connected communities across East Yorkshire.
Image credit: Dame Dianna Johnson MP https://www.dianajohnson.co.uk/