Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz is urging his constituents to nominate local rural businesses for the Countryside Alliance’s annual awards competition.

The competition, often called the ‘Rural Oscars’, is a celebration of rural produce, enterprise, heritage, and communities and recognises and honours those who go the extra mile for their community.

There are five individual categories in which businesses can be nominated:

• Local food/drink – Has the business put the community on the map due to the quality and diversity of local produce being sold?

• Village Shop/Post Office – Are they the cornerstone of the village, providing support and assistance for the local community?

• Butcher – Is traditional butchery at the heart of the enterprise, with high regard for animal welfare?

• Rural Enterprise – Is the business a growing asset to its community and making a real contribution to the local economy?

• Pub – Does the business hold a special place in the community, offering local people the perfect location to socialise?

Nominations will be open until Sunday, November 13, with the regional finalists announced later in November. However this year, regional winners will be chosen via an open public vote, letting you choose your favourite.

Speaking about the awards, Mr Kurtz said: “I’m adamant that businesses in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire are some of the very best, deserving to be recognised in this competition.

“If you know of a business which meets the criteria, then why don’t you nominate them for one of the five individual categories.

“Let’s make sure our local communities and their businesses are recognised for the fantastic work they do; this is an opportunity which really shouldn’t be missed.”

For more information as to how you can nominate a business, please visit https://www.countryside-alliance.org/caawards.