THE Exmoor White Horse Inn, Exford, has risen above thousands of nominations for a Countryside Alliance Award by being shortlisted in the ‘pub’ category.

Now in their 14th year, the awards are the Countryside Alliance’s annual celebration of British food and farming, enterprise and heritage through small, hard-working businesses.

Customers nominate businesses they feel are worthy of national acclaim – the awards received over 17,000 nominations this year: “We have been overwhelmed by nominations this year,” said Countryside Alliance Awards director Sarah Lee.

“The secret to the Rural Oscars’ popularity is that they honour the people involved in these businesses and not just their produce or services. They exist to sing the praises of those who work hard to keep our communities and rural economy ticking, but don’t seek the spotlight.”

Serving the Exmoor community for over 30 years, Peter and Linda Hendrie are now the longest serving licensees in the inn’s 500-year history.

Sarah added: “These awards provide a cause for celebration in a time of great uncertainty in the countryside. Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition.”