Five businesses have won through to the regional finals of the Countryside Alliance Awards.

The awards were started in 2007 to reward excellence in rural retailing.

The Manor Farm Shop and Tearoom at Cotesbach near Lutterworth and The Castle Inn, in Caldecott near Market Harborough are in the last three of the local food section. The Great Easton Village Shop near Market Harborough is in the last three of the village shop and post office section,

Whetstone Pastures Farm in Whetstone is in the final of the Rural Enterprise section. Butcher category finalists include Ringrose Butchers, of Broughton Astley.

Judging in the four categories is taking place until the end of January and the winners of the East Midlands section will go through to the British finals. Winners are announced in March.