THE 2015 Countryside Alliance Awards, the biggest annual celebration of communities, produce, enterprise and rural heritage, are now open to public nomination.

And this year there is a new tourism category.

The awards, now in their 11th year, are voted for by the public. They recognise and honour all that’s best about enterprising rural businesses and those who routinely go the extra mile for their community or help to promote rural life.

One of last year's finalists was Broughton Hall.

The awards start regionally and build towards a national championship which will be held at Parliament in April, 2016. The categories reflect the diversity of rural business, embracing everything from farm shops, butchers and post offices to breweries, B&Bs and farm parks

Awards director Jill Grieve said: “We started the Rural Oscars 11 years ago in order to give a voice and a platform to rural business, and in that time they have become the gold standard of rural awards. They are, of course, about our produce and communities, but more than that, they are about the people whose contribution to rural life and the rural economy can never be overstated.

"These awards are a true celebration of rural life and business so I urge everyone to get behind their businesses and help us shine a spotlight on their efforts.”

The deadline for nominations is Monday, November 2, and application forms can be downloaded from countryside-alliance.org