THE Williton farm shop Somerset Farmhouse has been voted South West of England champion butcher in this year’s ‘Rural Oscars’, organised by the campaigning organisation the Countryside Alliance.

A Countryside Alliance spokesperson said: “Somerset Farmhouse was recognised for its dedication to traditional butchery, high animal welfare standards, and strong relationships with Exmoor farmers, championing sustainably sourced local meat while serving the community for generations.”

For the awards, now in their 19th year, thousands of nominations in a total of five categories from around the Westcountry were whittled down via a public vote, with the final few being crowned regional champions.

Somerset Farmhouse will represent the Westcountry in a national champions’ reception at the House of Lords in July, competing against other finalists from Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the rest of England.

Countryside Alliance policy and campaigns director Sarah Lee said: “Running a business in a rural community is not easy and it is so important to celebrate the valued role these rural enterprises have in their communities.

“We look forward to seeing them in London at the national champions’ reception."

Somerset Farmhouse has been serving the area for more than 150 years.

Two local families, the Warrens and the Paytons have managed the business since 1989.

In 2018, the Warrens retired from the business and John Payton has now been joined by his daughter Sally along with her brother Rob.

John Payton has 45 years’ experience supplying meat, poultry, and game to hotels and restaurants in the Westcountry.

A spokesperson for the Williton business said: “It is our aim to source livestock from traditional farms in and around the Exmoor National Park, where animal welfare and care for the land takes precedence over short-term mass produced economic ‘factory production line’ farming.”