A FARMING couple’s passion for local produce has won their shop a top countryside award.

Foxbury Farm, in Burford Road, Brize Norton, has been named the Best Local Food Business in the South of England by campaign group the Countryside Alliance.

The farm shop, owned by Colin and Di Dawes, moved into larger premises in November.

Mrs Dawes said: “It’s a good start to the new year.

“We are always excited to win awards because there are other people telling us what we are doing is good.

“It’s an incredible boost for not only the business but our staff and customers as well.”

The farm shop will now go on to compete in the national final, with the winner announced at the House of Lords on Wednesday, February 3.

Head judge Sara Rutherford said: “Foxbury has the sort of passion and commitment that we are celebrating through these awards.

“Colin and his team have impeccable credentials. He supports only British producers in his shop.

“This is a genuine, no frills local food business based on a real working farm, and Colin’s passion is the main ingredient to his deserved success.”

In the past, the farm has won the Countryside Alliance’s national award for Best Rural Retailer.

Mr and Mrs Dawes, who both come from farming families, took over Foxbury Farm 18 years ago.

The farm shop opened eight years ago.

Mrs Dawes attributes its success to the local products the shop stocks.

She said: “Foxbury Farm Shop is a very local British farm shop, it doesn’t sell anything else.

“It’s a major priority of our business to source products as local as possible.

“We have got an amazing display of local meat that stretches from one end of the shop to the other.”

She added: “Being part of the community and doing community events is something we hold very close to our hearts.”

For more information, visit foxburyfarm.co.uk