A FARM shop based in a village near York is hoping to harvest a prestigious award.

The Balloon Tree Farmshop and Café, on the A166 in Gate Helmsley, near Stamford Bridge, has been shortlisted in the farm business category of the Yorkshire Rural Award, run by Dalesman Magazine.

The farm shop was one of the businesses hit by the recent closure for repair work of the historic bridge over the River Derwent at Stamford Bridge.

Will Machin, one of the two brothers who now manage the business, said he was delighted with the nomination.

He said: "We are very pleased indeed to be put up for this award.

"It's one of those satisfying things which encompasses the whole business - the growing and selling and all the in-house production teams as well."

He said the award also recognised the firm's resilience after seeing trade fall by 30 per cent in the first week after the Stamford Bridge closure and by 20 to 25 per cent in the second week. Mr Machin previously told The Press how the Balloon Tree was largely reliant on passing trade, which had been hit since the 12-week closure started on March 5.

He said many drivers also think they cannot get to Gate Helmsley from York, because of a sign at the Grimston Bar roundabout, at the junction of the A166, which urges motorists to take a diversion via the A1079.

He said: "Despite the knock on the chin we've still been able to show what we're about. Customers have shown their loyalty; staff have shown their character. Despite the minor detour, there are still very few places where you can buy the quality produce that we sell."

The Balloon Tree won the retailer of the year title at The Press Business Awards, held in November. The previous year the farm shop won the top business of the year crown and in 2004 it was named new business of the year.

It was recently commended by The Asparagus Association for being the first in the north of England to grow the first spears of the crop.