Philip Dunne is again supporting the Best Rural Retailer campaign run by Countryside Alliance.Local MP Philip Dunne is again supporting the Best Rural Retailer campaign run by Countryside Alliance. The campaign seeks to find the best 'rural retailer' as a way of celebrating and raising awareness of the work retailers do in supporting their local communities.

In 2005 alone, around 2,000 convenience stores disappeared. This competition can help to highlight the often unique skills, vision and produce of local retailers.

The competition is now in its third year and has been supported by Mr Dunne since its inception in 2005.

Nominations are made by those in the community and retailers are then judged first on a regional basis, and if successful, in the national competition.

There are four categories for nominations:-

• Best Local Food Retailer
• Best Village Shop/Post-Office
• Best Diversification
• Daily Telegraph Best Traditional Business

Philip Dunne said today: "I am always keen to support local businesses. The contribution made by many local retailers to their local communities is outstanding. After the devastation caused by recent flooding and the threats to local post offices by Government cuts, it is all the more important to celebrate the diversity and breadth of high quality produce and service available from local retailers. I urge anyone who wishes to nominate their own favourite retailer to do so."

Nominations can be made via the "Best Rural Retailer" website: www.bestruralretailer.co.uk.