Helen hails North Shropshire businesses after Rural Oscar nominations

MP Helen Morgan is celebrating after three North Shropshire businesses were nominated for ‘Rural Oscar’ awards.

Holly Farm Garden Centre, The Castle Inn and The Old Jack have all made it to the regional finals of the Countryside Alliance Awards.

The garden centre in Prees is up for the best rural enterprise award while The Castle, next to the A41 near Market Drayton, and The Olde Jack in Calverhall are both up for the best pub category.

It comes two years after the White Lion in Ash Magna won the national award for the UK’s Best Country Pub.

The Awards are the Countryside Alliance’s annual celebration of British food and farming, enterprise and heritage through small hard-working businesses. The Rural Oscars are now in their eighteenth year and have become the definitive rural business award to win.

Nominations are made by the public, offering customers the chance to explain why their favourite businesses are worthy of national acclaim.

The three North Shropshire businesses beat off competition from thousands of nominees to make it to the regional final.

Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire, said, “Local businesses like these are a vital part of Shropshire’s economy and I am so glad that their importance is deservedly being recognised by these awards.

“Rural areas rely on businesses that go the extra mile and support their local communities.                                                                                                                                            

“I look forward to following the finalists’ progress and seeing if we can bag another champion prize for North Shropshire!”

Countryside Alliance Awards Director Sarah Lee said, “We have been overwhelmed by nominations this year. The secret to the Rural Oscars’ popularity is that they honour the people involved in these businesses and not just their produce or services.

“They exist to sing the praises of those who work hard to keep our communities and rural economy ticking, but don’t seek the spotlight. Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition.”

Residents can cast their votes here.