THE founder of lingerie distributor AmpleBosom.com has been recognised in a national awards scheme for rural businesses.

North Yorkshire farmer Sally Robinson, pictured here with sheepdog Ben, was highly commended in the Enterprising Rural Women Awards in Country Living magazine.

It marked her achievement in establishing a specialist catalogue and on-line ordering company with the aid of a rural diversification grant from North Yorkshire County Council.

Her company provides quality lingerie for women of all sizes from top suppliers including Triumph, Ballet, Fantasie, Berlei, Silhoutte and Glamorise.

Based at the farm where she lives with her husband and two sons near Helmsley, the business receives orders from all over the world.

Janet Godfrey, national chairman of the Women's Food and Farming Union and a competition judge, praised Mrs Robinson: "AmpleBosom is a real success story - the way she recognised a gap in the market and in such a short time has achieved so much. She has the advantage of being a customer herself and knows why other women prefer to buy bras by post and try them on at home. Her catalogue isn't just selling, it gives a lot of useful advice too."