The competition celebrates our rural communities through the retailers who work so hard to keep them ticking. Regional winners from across Britain gathered at the House of Lords to hear Countryside Alliance Chief Executive Simon Hart announce the winners in the four categories. Countryside Alliance Chairman, Kate Hoey MP, was also there to honour the winners, as were cross-party Parliamentarians who support rural life.

The winners of the 2007 competition are:

Best Local Food Retailer: Horstead Farming Group , Beeston St Andrews, Norfolk. 01603 424608. Simon Hart said: “As my fellow judge Tim Relf says, it is truly phenomenal to find five local farmers who get on with each other, far less go into business! This co-operative is evangelical not just about the environment, but about selling quality, seasonal, traceable produce. The public is encouraged to learn more by coming on HFG’s numerous farm visits, helping to form a relationship between consumers and the food they eat, which must surely be the future of food retail.”
Highly commended: Goldys Farm Shop , Wareham, Dorset and SW Doughty butchers, Doddington, Kent

Best Village Shop/ Post Office: Nettleton Post Office & Stores, Nettleton, Wiltshire, 01249 782725. Simon said: “Di Bell is clearly the heart of this community. She started the shop in one room of her house 30 years ago and has gone from strength to strength. She received many nominations in this competition, all praising her warm nature and determination to see her community thrive. With shops and Post Offices under threat there is no better advertisement for rural retailing than Di.”
Highly commended: Ascott Village Shop , Ascott-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire
 

Best Diversification: Jolly Farmers Food Emporium , Betchworth, Surrey, 01737 221355 Simon said: “This is a unique diversification done with real enterprising flair. Jon and Paula Briscoe took over a pub, removed the drinking area and installed a deli, meaning shoppers can do their food shop during pub hours (rivalling supermarket opening times). The wonderful local produce on sale is also on the menu in the restaurant. This is a piece of smart thinking that has already provided huge support to local food producers, the local community and the local economy.”
Highly commended: Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop and Café, Darlington, Co. Durham

Daily Telegraph Best Traditional Business: Andrew Rees & Sons, butchers, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, 01834 861892. Simon said: “As fellow judge Andrew Pierce of the Daily Telegraph observed, "He is not just a butcher, but a one-man local food campaign..... Eat your hearts out Jamie, Hugh and Gordon, Andrew Rees was there first". Andrew Rees is immensely modest, but he is carrying on traditional skills in a modern setting and making huge efforts to inform the next generation about the benefits of local produce, meaning butchery has a future. He is also a firm favourite with his community, especially the food producers he goes the extra mile to support.”
Highly commended: CWG wool graders , Stamford, Lincolnshire

Further information is available from the press office on 0207 840 9220