TWO West Somerset businesses have shone in the South West's 'rural Oscars'.

The Culbone - a restaurant with rooms - was this week named the South West Champion in the start-up category of the Countryside Alliance Awards.

And Big Red Cow - suppliers of fresh meat and cooked foods - was highly commended in the same section.

Both businesses are on the outskirts of Porlock.

As one of ten regional winners, the Culbone goes through to the UK and Ireland finals, the winners of which will be announced at a prestigious event in London on March 13.

Countryside Alliance South West regional director Alison Hawes, who chaired the area's judging panel, said The Culbone had bucked the trend in difficult economic times and had quickly become the focal point for the local community and tourists alike.

The business was bought by Tony and Lesley O'Shaugnessy less than two years ago and includes Mark Saunders and chef Jack Scarterfield in the team.

Ms Hawes said The Culbone had been transformed into a restaurant with rooms, a cookery school and a communal garden and celebrated the very best of Exmoor.

"Committed to sourcing all of their produce locally and focused on the importance of supporting and partnering with local suppliers has ensured The Culbone is the heart of this community," she said.

"So much so that when the Exmoor Food Festival was cancelled last year they stepped in and held a mini festival at The Culbone."

Regular events include pie, curry and steak nights, and when Lynton Cinema just over the Devon border was under threat, The Culbone stepped in to help by launching supper and cinema deals.

"Their focus is to have good local trade, backed up by tourists," said Ms Hawes.

"The partners behind this enterprise are driven by celebrating and sharing the best local produce of Exmoor.

"Whether they are campaigning to save the local bus route or organising one of their popular food safaris, their boundless energy never fades."

Big Red Cow are closely linked to The Culbone, supplying the restaurant with red ruby Devon beef.

Simon and Tracey David run a herd of the prized cattle at their home, Woodcocks Ley Farm on the National Trust's Holnicote Estate.

The couple also keep a native breed of Berkshire pigs and flock of Exmoor Horn sheep, crossed with Charollais.

Big Red Cow supplies meat and cooked foods, offers a catering service and is a regular at many shows and events across the region.

The awards scheme, dubbed the 'rural Oscars' and described as an annual celebration of rural produce, skills, enterprise and heritage, is now in its eighth year.