A NEW North Yorkshire urban farm shop singled out as the best rural retailer in Yorkshire is in line for the national title to be announced later this month.

Weeton's, which opened in West Park, Harrogate, only last August is one of 13 regional winners chosen from 600 nominations for the awards, which are run in conjunction with British Food Fortnight and Farmers' Weekly and the Countryside Alliance.

It means there is a prospect of the shop being named the Best British Rural Retailer when the winners are announced by environmental campaigner Zac Goldsmith at a House of Lords reception on Tuesday, January 24.

It underlines the massive efforts being made in North Yorkshire to promote local produce in local food outlets - including the DeliciouslyYorkshire Awards (won last year by Castle Howard), and the Evening Press Eat Local Awards.

Significantly, the overall title for 2005 Evening Press Business Awards went to The Balloon Tree Farmshop and Caf, in Stamford Bridge Road, Gate Helmsley.

Weeton's, as an independent rural retailer, was adjudged the best ambassador for local producers and produce.

Judges praised Weeton's "huge range of produce" and the fact the shop stocks the produce of more than 45 local farmers - "everything from local game and Thirsk buffalo mozzarella to Harrogate spa water".

They were also impressed by Weeton's commitment to the local community and the management's determination to cut "food miles" - 75 per cent of produce stocked is from within 40 miles of the shop.

Managing director Andrew Loftus, 28, said: "It's extremely heartening to think that our customers and suppliers already regard us highly enough to nominate us for such a high-profile award.

"The Weeton's team has worked very hard to help me to realise my vision of lending a little of the glamour of London's trendiest grocers to the fantastic food being produced here in Yorkshire."

Updated: 10:15 Thursday, January 05, 2006