FOUR businesses from the Cardigan area have been nominated for the Welsh finals in 2020 Countryside Alliance Awards – often referred to as 'the Rural Oscars'.

This year, more than 18,000 nominations were received across the five categories, with four businesses shortlisted in each.

For four of the finalists in the Welsh region to come from the Cardigan area is a huge feather in the cap for the town and its surrounds.

Adele’s coffee shop and tea room at Cilgerran has been nominated in the local food/drink category, while fellow village business Siop y Pentre is in the running for the village shop section.

Dewi James a’i Gwmni in Cardigan is up for the best butcher award and the quartet is completed by Tafell a Tan, from Penbryn, in the rural enterprise category.

Michelle McDonald, from Adele’s, only started her business with husband David in June last year and is delighted to have reached the regional final.

“How amazing is that?” said Michelle. “We have only been going for seven months and to be nominated was great but to get through to the final is fantastic.

“It feels even better because the nominations are customer-led and that means so much to us.

“And for Cilgerran to have two nominations from throughout the whole of Wales is a tremendous achievement for such a small village.”

Dilwyn James, at Dewi James, said: “We are very proud to have been nominated for the regional finals.

“We are very grateful for the support we have received from our customers. Let’s hope we can now win the top prize.”

Katie Reed, from Tafell a Tan pop-up pizzas, will be opening up a permanent base at Llangrannog while continuing to operate at events throughout the region.

“We are continuing to grow from our street food base and there is now a need for us to have a permanent place,” said Kate.

“Being nominated is a big deal and can propel your business into the future and attract further recognition.

“It’s great to have so many businesses being nominated. The area is becoming a food destination and is so unique with so many small, independents setting up.”

A spokesperson for the Countryside Alliance said: “This year we have had over 18,000 nominations - our most successful year to date and a reflection on the growing number of fantastic businesses in rural areas.

“Whittling the nominations down to our regional finalists was not an easy task. Competition has been extremely tough this year

“The applicants are judged on a range of criteria including their passion and commitment, sense of community, championing local food and the energy and diversity of their business.”

Visits to those businesses nominated will take place from March to May and the winners will be announced at an awards dinner in Cardiff.

The regional winners will then be invited to attend the Champions’ Reception at the House of Lords in London in June, where the national winners will be announced.