2015 Rural Oscars are open to nominations - vote now!

The 2015 Countryside Alliance Awards, the biggest annual celebration of communities, produce, enterprise and rural heritage, are now open to public nomination, this year with a new tourism category.

The awards, now in their eleventh year, are voted for by the public. They recognise and honour all that’s best about enterprising rural businesses and those who routinely go the extra mile for their community or help to promote rural life.

The Awards start regionally and build towards a national championship which will be held at Parliament in April 2016. The award categories reflect the diversity of rural business, embracing everything from farm shops, butchers and post offices to breweries, B&Bs and farm parks:

• Local Food & Drink

• The Daily Telegraph Village Shop/ Post Office Awards

• Butcher

• Tourism Enterprise

Awards Director Jill Grieve said: “We started the Rural Oscars 11 years ago in order to give a voice and a platform to rural business, and in that time they have become the gold standard of rural awards. They are of course about our produce and communities, but more than that, they are about the people whose contribution to rural life and the rural economy can never be overstated. These Awards are a true celebration of rural life and business so I urge everyone to get behind their businesses and help us shine a spotlight on their efforts.”