The eighth annual Countryside Alliance Awards are now open to public nomination. The Awards, nicknamed the ‘Rural Oscars,’ were borne of a need to support and promote rural communities. They celebrate people going the extra mile to ensure that rural Britain’s food and farming industry, small businesses, traditional skills, forward-thinking enterprises and, most of all, its people, can flourish. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said: “These Awards are an excellent way to promote the local businessmen and women who are working hard to keep rural Britain ticking. Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition, so please get involved and nominate today.” The Awards run across the following categories:
- Local food Award
- Daily Telegraph Village shop/ Post Office Award
- Butcher Award
- Start-up Award
Ends Notes to Editors: Nominations are open online at www.countrysideallianceawards.org until 1 November. Regional judging will then take place. Regional winners will be announced in early 2014 and invited to the grand final at the House of Lords in April 2014, where overall champions will be announced. Past winners, judging regions and judging criteria are also online.