Dunne congratulates Shropshire award winners

Philip Dunne today congratulated all those businesses within the Ludlow constituency nominated to the West Midlands regional finals of the Countryside Alliance Awards announced this week.Local MP Philip Dunne today congratulated all those businesses within the Ludlow constituency nominated to the West Midlands regional finals of the Countryside Alliance Awards announced this week.

Mr Dunne said: "I was delighted to see that four businesses within the Ludlow constituency had reached the regional finals of the Countryside Alliance Awards. This is more than any other single constituency in the West Midlands and perhaps in the country.

I know each of the four businesses well and each thoroughly deserves to have got through to the regional final. These Awards are an excellent way to recognise the remarkable diversity and energy of businesses thriving in Shropshire despite the recession.

I am particularly pleased that The Organic Smokehouse at Clunbury has won the regional Rural Enterprise Award. I have known Michael Leviseur since before I became the MP and have always been impressed by his drive and enthusiasm, and remarkable quality of his distinctive product. I wish him well for the national finals next month and look forward to welcoming him to Parliament."

Mr Leviseur said: "We are thrilled to have been recognised by the Countryside Alliance with this award. I started the business with my wife and now we employ 5 local people, and export as far afield as Bangkok and the United States. It is lovely to have all the hardwork and efforts of our team acknowledged. It has been quite a week, having just been granted a royal warrant by the Prince of Wales, a great honour for our small business. "

Clare Rowson, Chair of the judging panel in the West Midlands said: "The secret to this amazing product, five tiny little smoke houses which couldn't really be described as more than large wardrobes and a big personality who has made it all happen. From little acorns large oak trees grow."

Those nominated in the Ludlow constituency were:

• The Organic Smokehouse - regional
• winner of Rural Enterprise Award
• Lydbury North Village Shop- Village Shop/Post Office Category
• Bromfield Post Office - Village Shop/Post Office Category
• Ludlow Food Centre - Rural Enterprise Award

Both Bromfield Post Office and Ludlow Food Centre were highly commended in their categories.

The Countryside Alliance Awards celebrate the diversity, enterprise, produce and heritage of the British countryside. The next phase of the Awards is the winners' reception at Parliament on 3rd February when the national winners will be announced.

More information us is available at: www.countryside-alliance.org.uk/awards/

Photo: Philip Dunne at the Organic Smokehouse