Jacob Rees Mogg MP writes:

Nominations are now open for the annual Countryside Alliance Awards, giving residents the chance to get involved and support rural businesses in North East Somerset.

The Awards, which are a national scheme, offer prestigious accolades that for the past seventeen years have given a platform to the best of the country's produce, enterprise, heritage and communities. Importantly, the Awards have reached millions of people through the media, celebrating the positivity about the modern countryside, its heritage, produce and enterprise.

There are seven categories this year, including: Local Food/Drink; Village Shop/ Post Office; Butcher; Rural Enterprise; Pub and the Clarissa Dickson Wright Award. This Award focuses on Ms Dickson Wright's belief in campaigning, educating and prioritising slow food, taste, quality and assistance for farmers and producers.

Through these 'Rural Oscars', the Countryside Alliance has honoured thousands of businesses. Past winners highlight the beneficial response that the Awards create with many emphasising the positive impact that being recognised has made as well as the vital boost to their businesses.

The Awards, which recognise and honour those who routinely go the extra mile for their community, are nominated by the public so if you feel that there is a local business that falls within one of the seven categories, please do not hesitate to put it forward.

Nominations are open now until 12th November 2023 and regional finalists will be announced in December 2023, with the national winners being announced at the grand final at the House of Lords in June 2024. You can nominate online at https://www.countryside-alliance.org/campaigns/countryside-alliance-awards.

This is the chance to put our constituency on the map so please support those who you feel are worthy winners.

As always, do not hesitate to contact me: www.jacobreesmogg.com / [email protected]