AN Ilminster butcher has been nominated for a national award this week.

Bonners on Silver Street won the South West regional butcher award in the Countryside Alliance Awards, it was announced last Monday.

The awards are known as the ‘Rural Oscars’ and Bonners will now go up against other regional winners from around Britain in an effort to become overall champion.

Clinton Bonner said “This is a fantastic achievement, as you have to be nominated by your customers first - which always makes you proud - and then we have to be short listed into the final shops in the South West.”

Head judge Alison Hawes said: “The warmth of the welcome at Bonners was as highly recommended to us as the quality of the meat, and one fan of the shop even said they would not even consider buying meat from anywhere else, which is high praise.

“This is the first year we have run a dedicated butcher category and from the reaction Bonner’s of Ilminster generated, I know we were right to do so. Old fashioned customer service, banter, a place where everyone knows your name, and quality local produce – Bonners is a shining example.”

The British final will be held at Parliament on Wednesday, March 30. To find out more about the awards or Bonners the Butchers follow the links below.