FOUR rural businesses who have picked up regional awards are looking forward to a competition's grand final.

An organic farm from County Durham and three other businesses in Northumberland have picked up North-East titles in the Countryside Alliance Awards.

They all go forward to other regional winners to bid for the British title at the start of February.

The local food award went to Piercebridge Organic Farm, at Piercebridge, near Darlington.

Head judge Steve Clark said: "With stiff competition Piercebridge Organics has to be the winner of the Local Food Award for the North East.

"Not because they are organic, but because of their total dedication to local food, sourced and produced locally including game, meat, pies, soups and cakes."

The village shop and post office award for the North-East went to Belsay Post Office and Shop, in Belsay, Northumberland.

The traditional business section was won by R G Foreman and Sons butchers, in Norham-on-Tweed, Northumberland.

The rural enterprise award was won by the Country Barn, at Widdrington Village, Morpeth, Northumberland.