The Countryside Alliance Awards were presented by DEFRA Ministers Richard Benyon MP and Lord Taylor of Holbeach accompanied by Clarissa Dickson Wright, the celebrity chef and Kate Hoey MP, the Chairman of the Countryside Alliance. The Countryside Alliance’s new Chief Executive, Sir Barney White-Spunner, was effusive in his praise of all the regional and national winners and said how much he had enjoyed tasting the farm and shop produce from all parts of the British Isles. Edward Garnier was particularly delighted to see his constituency shop do so well in a tough competition. “Unquestionably the Stokeses have grown a superb family-run business in Market Harborough, making good use of their local knowledge and locally sourced produce, be it meat, vegetables or cakes and ales. Some they grow on their own farm and some they get from other Leicestershire and Northamptonshire suppliers. I cannot recommend the Farndon Road Farm Shop too highly but you do not have to take my word for it: just ask the judges who made the awards. They could see, taste and smell quality. I agree with them and wish Mr and Mrs Stokes every success in the future.”