A SOUTH Lakeland farming couple won a special Clarissa Dickson Wright Award in the Countryside Alliance Awards.

Peter and Christine Gott, who run Sillfield Farm at Gatebeck, near Kendal, were presented with the ‘Rural Oscar’ by the Secretary of State for Defra, Owen Paterson MP, at a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament.

The Clarissa Dickson Wright Award was presented in memory of the TV cook and champion of the countryside.

It was created to recognise strong animal husbandry, support slow and artisan food and protect farming heritage.

The recipients were chosen by Clarissa before her death.

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The awards are the Countryside Alliance’s annual celebration of the rural produce, skills, enterprise and heritage of small, hard-working businesses.

They are now in their ninth year and have become the definitive rural business award to win.

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said: “These awards celebrate rural businesses across the UK from post offices to butchers. They are the backbone of rural life and it is vital that we do all we can help create the right conditions to allow these businesses to compete and thrive.”

The Parliamentary reception was attended by regional champions from across the UK and Ireland and the national winners were announced live by Countryside Alliance Chairman Kate Hoey MP.