Hexham MP, Guy Opperman, has toured rural businesses nominated for the Countryside Alliance Awards in the Village Shop category.
These awards honour the best of British local food, drink and produce, in addition to recognising the efforts of shopkeepers and their staff who consistently provide exceptional service to their communities.
Amongst the nominees, visited by Mr Opperman, was Slaley Community Shop and North Acomb Farm Shop, both of which were picked out after more than 17,000 votes were cast by people in support of their favourite local shops.
The Slaley Community Store, which is operated entirely by volunteers, came under community ownership in 2017.
It offers a wide range of essential items along with locally sourced meats, dairy, and alcoholic beverages.
The shop also features an unattended café, allowing customers to take their purchases to an in-house seating area or an external garden space.
Established in 1978 by Robin and Caroline Baty, North Acomb Farm Shop has grown from a small egg-selling venture that operated from the family's backyard door porch.
It now offers a broad spectrum of fresh meats, vegetables, home-baking supplies and more.
The premises also accommodate livery stables and a lively farm housing cattle, sheep, pigs, peacocks and guinea fowl.
Voting for the award commenced on February 19 and will conclude on April 1 at midnight.
All winners will be invited for a reception at the House of Lords in June, where the UK champions will be announced.
On hearing about the Countryside Alliance Awards, Mr Opperman personally toured the nominated village shops and honoured Slaley Community Shop and North Acomb Farm Shop with his own Small Business Award following numerous positive commendations from residents regarding their exemplary customer service.
Guy Opperman MP said: "It is no wonder that Slaley Community Shop and North Acomb Farm Shop were nominated for an award.
"It was clear to see from my recent visit that they go the extra mile to serve local people and they are proud to be at the heart of the communities they are a part of.
"I am always looking to recognise fantastic local businesses and I was delighted to present each of them with one of my Small Business Awards.
"I would encourage everyone to visit the Countryside Alliance website and show their support for Slaley Community Shop and North Acomb Farm Shop."
On winning the MP's Small Business Award, the owner of North Acomb Farm Shop, Robin Baty, said: "We are very humbled to have recently been awarded a Small Business Award by our local Member of Parliament, Guy Opperman.
"Thank you to all of our customers new and old who have and continue to support us."
Sandra Innes, a volunteer at Slaley Community Shop, said: "We were surprised and delighted to receive Guy's Small Business Award.
"Slaley Community Shop is run by a fantastic band of over 50 volunteers who give up their time every week to serve the village and surrounding area.
"They are very much appreciated by the local community but it is wonderful for them to receive wider recognition for the amazing job they do."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here