Five Cumbrian businesses have been shortlisted for the prestigious Countryside Alliance Awards – known as the ‘rural Oscars’.
The annual celebration of British food and farming is now in its 18th year.
The shortlists are created by public nomination, offering customers the chance to put forward their favourite businesses in the region.
Cumbria’s Dales Butchers in Kirkby Lonsdale and Home Butchers Farm Shop in Aspatria feature in the Butchers category, Eden Yard Rapeseed Oil, based in Plumpton, near Penrith and Lovingly Artisan, based in Staveley, are shortlisted in the Food & Drink category and the Sportsmans Inn, in Cowgill, near Dent, is nominated for Pub of the Year.
Eden Yard was established three years ago by Jannike and Ben Taylor who farm 600 acres of predominately arable land, along with 400 breeding ewes. The food diversification business cold presses and bottles its own rapeseed to produce unique Cumbrian oil.
Jannike, of Eden Yard, said: “It was a huge surprise to learn we are regional finalists and we are so honoured that our farm to fork business has been recognised by our customers.”
Winners will be chosen via a public vote which opens next month and the winners will be announced in April.
The winners will then go on and represent their region in the final at the House of Lords in the national champions reception in June.
