RED Ruby Devon Beef of Bow, near Crediton, has been named as a South West finalist in the Countryside Alliance Awards.

The business is competing against two others – Barleymows Farm Shop in Chard, Somerset, and Farrington Farm Shop in Farrington Gurney, Bristol – for the regional title in the Local Food category.

The awards, which are now in their sixth year, celebrate the characters, skills, traditions and enterprise of the countryside through the people who work so hard to make it tick. Each finalist has received nominations from customers and supporters.

Strand Stores, of Culmstock, near Cullompton, is a regional finalist in the Village Shop or Post Office category. The other two categories are Rural Enterprise and Butcher.

Countryside Alliance regional director Alison Hawes, who is judging for the awards, said: "These small businesses have the passion and commitment to keep going no matter what."

Regional winners will be announced in January, and will go to the UK final in March.