Top awards up for grabs (From Gazette & Herald)

Top awards up for grabs

9:10am Thursday 25th September 2008 in Farming news By Gazette Reporter

TWO Ryedale village businesses are among this year's nominations for the 2008 Countryside Alliance Awards but more are needed say the organisers.

Beadlam Grange Farm Shop at Pockley and Kilburn Village Stores, are vying for a top place in the competition.

Richard Dodd, Countryside Alliance’s regional director for Yorkshire, said: “The awards give recognition to rural heroes on a national scale. They are public-vote-led, so we want people to tell us who they want to nominate and what makes their choice so special.”

The categories are to find the best local food producer, village shop/Post Office and rural enterprise.

Other sections are the best traditional business award and a new award for the top rural hero.

There are also awards with a political theme up for grabs.

They include the Grassroots Award for community campaigning which is open to councillors, devolved bodies and the British and Irish Parliaments; the Westminster Award for bringing the countryside to Parliament; and The Rural Vision Award, for the politician with the countryside’s future at heart.

Mr Dodd said: “This is a great region for produce, enterprise and community spirit, so let’s show the nation the best we have to offer. Yorkshire missed out on a national award last year for the first time ever, so this year we want to sweep the board.

“The awards are a wonderful way of supporting your local rural heroes and the feel-good factor they bring is immense. The Countryside Alliance is giving a platform to communities so they can honour individuals who go beyond the call of duty but are often unsung.”

Nominations close on October 27. Ring 01661 881 800 or 07767 825450 for more details.