RURAL schools, pubs and people are being recognised in a countryside awards initiative.

The 2003 Countryside Awards reward innovative businesses, organisations and teaching which helps to sustain and enhance rural life.

Among the National Farmers' Union (NFU) Countryside Award categories are Countryperson of the Year, Rural Schoolteacher of the Year, Village School of the Year, Rural Pub of the Year, Rural Tourist Attraction of the Year, Countryside Small Business of the Year, and Rural Organisation of the Year.

Last year, Susan Hollows, headteacher of a primary school in Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, was named Rural Schoolteacher of the Year.

Ian Dalzell, NFU Countryside chief executive, said: "There are countless countryside people who work tirelessly and quietly for the benefit of their local communities, whether as individuals or as part of larger groups.

"Our awards are designed to put these individuals and groups into the spotlight, and to recognise the contributions they make to the well-being of these communities and to the traditional countryside way of life."

The awards will be presented at a gala lunch in London in July. Nominations close on April 14.

For more information, contact 0870 840 2030 or visit the NFU Countryside website at www.nfucountryside.org.uk