A local farm shop has been shortlisted for a prestigious food award, known in the industry as the "Rural Oscars".
Knitsley Farm Shop, a family business located in Consett, County Durham, has made it through to the regional finals of the Countryside Alliance's Local food awards.
The farm shop will now go up against other venues in the North of England in a public vote, set to end on March 5. The winners of the each region will then go head-to-head to be crowned the Countryside Alliance's national champion.
With their food being deemed some of the "best in the country" by customers, the business was "thrilled" to have the shortlist.
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Knitsley Farm Shop has worked hard to establish themselves as one of the premier spots for fresh local produce in the area, and the recently repopened Granary Cafe is a firm favorite for a hearty meal.
The owners of the farm shop and cafe said: "Our category this year is local food, somehting that we deeply pride ourselves on providing for our wonderful customers.
"The awards are the Countryside Alliance’s annual celebration of British food & farming, enterprise and heritage through small hard-working businesses.
"The awards are now in their 16th year, and have become the definitice rural business award to win. They receieved seventeen thousand nominations this year, so we are extremely proud to have been shortlisted."
Winners are to be chosen via an online public vote in February and announced in the spring, though the public has also been encouraged to "vote with their feet to support their local".
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The winners of each region will be up against fellow winners from around the UK and the national champion will be announced at the House of Lords at a reception in May.
MP Richard Holden visited the farm shop to let the family run business know that they had made the shortlist.
He said: "We need to shine a national spotlight on businesses like Knitsley Farm Shop that go the extra mile to bring our towns and villages together but rarely seek the plaudits for themselves.
"Reaching the regional finals is testament to the hard work and service they provide to our community. It is great that the competition is a public vote, because it gives our villages and towns the opportunity to champion the success of the businesses they truly value.
"The whole of North West Durham will be cheering them on all the way to the House of Lords with pride.
"As well as voting in this competition, please support our local farmers and small businesses - of which Knitself Farm is a great example with fabulous views and an even better full English."
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