TWO local businesses are in the running for prestigious Countryside Alliance Awards covering the whole of the North.

While Haydon Bridge’s WMH Farm Fresh Meats has been shortlisted in the butchers’ category, Blagdon Farm Shop, located within the Milkhope Centre near Ponteland, is shortlisted in the food and drink category.

The northern winners, due to be announced any day now, will then go forward to the national finals in London for the awards, nicknamed the Rural Oscars. Environment Secretary Michael Gove, is one of the judges.

Owner of WMH Farm Fresh Meats, butcher Tom Stephenson, said: “I know we’re down to the last four in the North.

“It’s just nice to be shortlisted, because we were nominated for it by happy customers.”

Jo Celerier, manager of Blagdon Farm Shop, said it was delighted to be recognised for its part in a food scene that was truly buzzing in the North-East.

“We’re especially proud because we haven’t got the climate up here they do down south,” she said. “And yet we’re still able to bring to market so much in the way of great produce, not just from our own farm, but from other producers too. It all helps and supports the local rural economy.”

In this the 13th year of the Countryside Alliance Awards, thousands of nominations were submitted. The national awards ceremony will take place in the House of Lords next month.