A number of Norfolk businesses are in with a chance of winning awards which celebrate unsung rural firms going the extra mile for their communities.

The four businesses have made the East of England regional final as part of the annual Countryside Alliance Awards. 

Fakenham & Wells Times: Arthur Howell, of Arthur Howell Butchers in Wells, pictured with his wife, LizArthur Howell, of Arthur Howell Butchers in Wells, pictured with his wife, Liz (Image: Newsquest)

Arthur Howell Butchers, based in Wells, had been selected as a finalist in the butcher category, while Walsingham Farm Shop makes the final four in the local food/drink bracket. 

The Saracen's Head in Wolterton, north of Aylsham, and the White Swan in Gressenhall, near Dereham, will compete with each other in the pub category. 

Fakenham & Wells Times: Walsingham Farm Shop has been selected as a finalist in the Countryside Alliance AwardsWalsingham Farm Shop has been selected as a finalist in the Countryside Alliance Awards (Image: Newsquest)

The White Swan only reopened in May 2022 following a tireless community campaign which resulted in more than 400 local people taking co-ownership of the pub. 

East of England winners will be chosen via a public vote in February.

Fakenham & Wells Times: The Saracen's Head in Wolterton, near Aylsham, has been selected as a finalist in the Countryside Alliance AwardsThe Saracen's Head in Wolterton, near Aylsham, has been selected as a finalist in the Countryside Alliance Awards (Image: Newsquest)

Those who come out on top will take on fellow winners from across the UK in a bid to become national champions, to be announced at the House of Lords in May.