Countdown to Norfolk Rural Business Awards begins as finalists announced

Finalists in the Norfolk Rural Business Awards have been announced as the countdown to the ceremony at this year's Royal Norfolk Show begins.

Businesses from food and drink producers to tourism attractions, along with community organisations have been shortlisted for the awards which were launched last year by Norfolk County Council in partnership with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA).

The winners will be named at a ceremony at the showcase event on the county's calendar on Thursday 26 June.

Finalists across the nine categories this year are:

Best Rural Community Initiative, sponsored by Aviva Community Fund - Helping Hands (Thrive and The Pantry), Folk in a Field
Best Farming Innovation Adopter, sponsored by Lovewell Blake - Fischer Farms, Pearn Wyatt & Son
Best Food and Drink Producer, sponsored by Fountain Fresh Imports - Nurtured in Norfolk, Barsham Brewery
Norfolk's 'Unsung Hero', sponsored by Poultec - Ben Eagle (RuralPod Media), David Holliday (Moon Gazer Ale), Neil Sands (Sands Agricultural Machinery)
Best Farming Champion, sponsored by CLG Norfolk - Richard Hirst (Hirst Farms, Ormesby), Michael Balls (Crown Point Estate, near Norwich), David Lyles (North Norfolk Coastal Group)
Best Emerging Talent, sponsored by PlantGrow - Henry Stanford, Abigail Mallet
Best Rural Tourism Attraction, sponsored by Thursford - Pensthorpe, Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
Best Sustainable Land Use, sponsored by Birketts - The Wendling Beck Project, North Norfolk Coastal Group
Best Rural Business, sponsored by New Anglia Growth Hub - Massingham Stores & Post Office, Algy's Farm Shop, The Angel Inn Loddon

Cllr Fabian Eagle, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Norfolk County Council, said: "Small independent businesses and community organisations bring diversity to our villages and towns and help attract visitors, and these awards recognise the important role they play.

"The Royal Norfolk Show is the most prestigious event on the county's social calendar and the perfect place to celebrate our rural champions."

RNAA Chief Executive Mark Nicholas added: "The RNAA has been thrilled to once again work with Norfolk County Council to shine a spotlight on rural businesses, projects and people. The finalists are testament to the quality and commitment of so many of our rural communities. We look forward to hosting the awards ceremony at the Royal Norfolk Show".