DO YOU have a favourite farm shop or cafe serving local produce? Do you know a young person making strides in the rural community?

Nominations are now open for the Isle of Wight Rural Awards 2020, aimed at celebrating rural life on the Island.

Organised by the CLA South East and Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society, the awards will recognise those who demonstrate success in the rural economy.

To enter, businesses, individuals and organisations can nominate themselves, or be nominated by others.

The winners will be crowned at the Royal Isle of Wight County Show, on June 28, where they will receive an Island-shaped wooden trophy, rosette and certificate.

CLA senior adviser Cindy Betley, said: “The CLA is immensely proud to be part of the rural community, and these awards really highlight the incredible individuals and businesses we have here on the Island.

“Last year, we had some inspirational winners, and we’re hoping for more of the same this summer.

"This is the third year we’ve run these awards, and it’s pleasing to see them grow­ — we’ve got more categories this year and new faces on the judging panel.”

RIWAS vice chair Graham Biss said: “The Island’s rural sector is a hub of innovation and enterprise, and the awards are designed to promote and celebrate excellence across the whole sector.

"We would encourage every type of business, big or small, to submit a nomination form.”

The categories are Wight Marque food business, rural tourism business, countryside small business, countryside business, rural business of the year, rural young person of the year, lifetime achievement award.

To enter, download an application form on the RIWAS or CLA website and submit it by the deadline of April 30.

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