PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson is calling on residents to nominate local businesses in the 2013 Countryside Alliance Awards.

Now in their ninth year, the awards are a ‘unique celebration of rural life, produce and communities’.

Mr Stephenson said: “Pendle has a number of fantastic rural businesses that meet the criteria set out by these awards. Such efforts deserve recognition and I encourage Pendle residents to get nominating.

“It would be a tremendous boost for the area and I think we have a great chance of producing the eventual winner.”

Nominations can be made at www.country sideallianceawards.org.uk and the deadline is November 1.