SEVERAL businesses in West Devon are celebrating after being announced as finalists in the 2012 Countryside Alliance Awards, nicknamed the 'Rural Oscars'.

Top businesses from across the south west are vying for one of five regional titles and the chance of national acclaim.

The Countryside Alliance Awards, now in its eighth year, celebrates the characters, skills, traditions and enterprise of the countryside through the people who work so hard to make it tick.

Each finalist has received numerous nominations from supportive customers and hopes to go all the way to the parliamentary final next March.

Among the finalists is FK Martin — Pizwell Products at Pizwell Farm, Postbridge in the Local Food category and Walkhampton Village Market at the Old Mill House, Walkhampton, in the Enterprise category.

Countryside Alliance South West regional director Alison Hawes said: 'It is exciting to see such a diverse range of rural businesses included in this list and I look forward to meeting the people behind each shop counter.

'Rural businesses continue to have a tough year — bad weather has affected the harvest and tourism, meaning a lean year for many. It is vital that we support our small rural businesses and help to revive our rural economy. Celebrating them in the "Rural Oscars" gives them a well-deserved boost.'