Cardigan’s Dewi James a’i Gwmni is one of five Welsh businesses to take national honours in the Countryside Alliance Awards.

These businesses will now go head to head with other category winners from England, in a bid to be crowned as the national champions. 

“This longstanding business, now well into its 7th decade, is truly deserving of this award,” said a judge on announcing that Dewi James a’i Gwmni were the winners of Best Butcher.

“Returning to the family business Dafydd has brought with him a new era of entrepreneurial flair.

“Their innovative and creative ways with presenting meat and new meal ideas is inspiring, whilst still maintaining a high standard of butchery and retaining the family connection of livestock rearing linked directly to the shop.

This is truly field to fork at its finest.”

The Best Village Shop or Post Office award went to Siop Y Pentre, Cilgerran.

“This village shop has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to reducing plastic usage and waste,” commented a spokesperson.

“A zero-waste section and refill station for dry goods sits proudly in the store, and the commitment to their locality is equally evident.”

Countryside Alliance Wales Director Rachel Evans said: “This year’s regional finalists are all truly exceptional. We have been overwhelmed by nominations this year.

"The secret to the Rural Oscars’ popularity is that they honour the people involved in these businesses and not just their produce or services.

"They exist to sing the praises of those who work hard to keep our communities and rural economy ticking, but don’t seek the spotlight.

"These awards provide a cause for celebration in a time of great uncertainty in the countryside.

"Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition.”

Award winners and runners-up:

Village Shop and Post Office: Winner: Siop Y Pentre, Cilgeran. Runner Up: Rhydymwyn General Store, Mold. Commended: Llandegla Community Shop, and Siop Y Paget, Amlwch.

Local Food and Drink: Winner: Gwinllan Conwy Ltd, Llandudno Junction. Runner Up: Feast Aberaeron. Highly Commended: Adele’s Tea Room and Coffee Shop, Pembrokeshire. 

Butchers: Winner: Dewi James, Cardigan. Runner Up: Daniel Morris, Denbighshire. Commended: N.S.James of Raglan and Trims Town Gate, Chepstow.

Pub: Winner: The White Cross Inn, Groeswen Caerphilly. Runner Up: Cross Foxes, Mold. Commended: Coach and Horses, Llangynidr and the Red Lion, Llangynidr, Powys .

Rural Enterprise: Winner: Raglan Farm Park. Runner Up: Welsh Organic Tannery, Pembrokeshire. Commended: Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding, Pembrokeshire; Tafell a Tan, Ceredigion.