FOUR businesses in Taunton Deane have been nominated by Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow for the annual Countryside Alliance Awards.

The awards - nicknamed the Rural Oscars - celebrate people going the extra mile to ensure that rural Britain's food and farming industry, small businesses, traditional skills, forward-thinking enterprises, and its people, can flourish.

The awards are now open to public nomination and Ms Pow is urging people to get backing.

She said: "These awards are an excellent way to promote the local businessmen and women who are working hard in Taunton Deane to keep rural Britain thriving.

"Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition, so please get involved and vote today.

"Let’s see if we can bring a British title home and tell a positive story about Taunton Deane. I have nominated a businesses for each category, which was a difficult task due to the huge number of exceptional Rural Businesses that we have in Taunton Deane."

The Awards run across four categories and the following businesses were nominated by Ms Pow:

  • Local Food Award: Silvers Pantry, Monkton Heathfield
  • Village Shop/Post Office Award: Churchinford and District Community Shop, Churchinford
  • Butcher Award: Chris Trott Family Butchers, Bishops Lydeard
  • Rural Tourism Enterprise Award: Hestercombe House and Gardens, Hestercombe

To nominate, visit countrysideallianceawards.org.uk to complete a nomination form.