Their business, Brownsville Newsagency, beat a pool of 44 competitors from Coledale to Kiama to be declared Illawarra Newsagency of the Year for 2012.

It was the second accolade in three years for the Woods, who first won the title back in 2010, less than a year after they took the helm of Brownsville Newsagency.

It is an impressive track record for the pair, who only entered the industry three years ago.

Mrs Woods, a former preschool teachers’ aide, said the key to their success lay in their positive attitude and commitment to their customers.

‘‘A lot of people enjoy coming to us because they like that personal touch,’’ she said.

‘‘There are a lot of elderly people who we’ll carry things to the car for them and talk to them.

‘‘This morning we had a customer call in - not to buy anything - just to show us the latest photos of her Grandson, which was lovely.

‘‘We both like interaction with our customers and we see more of our customers than we do of our family, so it’s a case enjoying going to work every day.’’

The Woods’ was one of several awards handed out yesterday at the Illawarra Newsagency Awards, presented by the Illawarra Mercury and the Illawarra Newsagents Association.