BUSINESSES in Alcester and the surrounding district have been nominated as finalists in Nadhim Zahawi’s Independent Shop Awards.

Almost 2,000 members of the public nominated their favourite independent businesses.

Stratford MP Nadhim Zahawi announced finalists in each of the six categories; Best Independent Shop, Best Café, Best Restaurant, Best Pub, Best Village Shop and Best Hotel or B&B.

The Parlour Pet Boutique in Wootton Wawen and Jacksons Jewellery in Alcester received nomination for the Best Independent Shop category, The Shakespeare Inn in Welford-on-Avon has been put forward for the Best Pub category and The Wardrobe, Welford-on-Avon, as Best Village Shop.

The finalists have been invited to an awards ceremony on Friday April 29 at the RSC’s Other Place theatre, where the winners and runners up will be announced.

Announcing the finalists, Nadhim Zahawi said: "I was delighted that after the success of my first Independent Shop Awards, the people of the Stratford-on-Avon constituency have again taken part in such huge numbers to nominate their favourite places to eat, drink, stay or shop.

"I’d like to thank everyone who took part, but mostly I want to celebrate the excellence and quality of the independent businesses we have throughout this area.

"These independent businesses are the lifeblood of our towns and villages and it has been a fantastic opportunity to say thank you, whether they’re in Stratford or Shipston, Welford or Alcester, Long Compton or Henley."

"I can speak on behalf of all of the judges and say it was a tough job narrowing it down to these finalists, and we all wish them the best of luck."