STAFF at an organic farm shop and cafe will find out this week whether they have scooped a major national award.

The Cross Lanes Organic Farm, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, is one of three finalists shortlisted for the Best Local Food Retailer category of the BBC Food and Farming Awards.

The winner will be announced at the BBC Good Food Show at Birmingham's NEC on Wednesday (November 28).

The popular Teesdale shop and cafe is up against Eurospar, from Dolgellau, Gwynedd, and The Real Food Store, from Exeter.

Owner Peter Coverdale, manager Debs Hare and chefs Stevie Hare and Kaylee Dempster are travelling to Birmingham with fingers crossed.

Debs said: “With over 900 nominations in the Best Local Food Retailer category, the team at Cross Lanes are thrilled to have been recognised.

“After all their dedication and hard work over the last year, it's a real boost for everyone.”

Judges Arthur Potts Dawson and Simon Parkes visited Cross Lanes twof weeks ago when they sampled dishes off the menu, had a tour of the site and talked to the team, customers and suppliers.

Local suppliers who came to meet them the judges included Trees House Farm, Just William, Acorn Dairy, Piercebridge Organic Farm and Richard and Beverley Ward.