RURAL businesses from Cheriton and near Alresford have won awards for their enterprising approach.

Holden Farm Camping at Cheriton collected the Rural Enterprise Award, at the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Hampshire Countryside Awards presentation ceremony. Judges said owner Rebecca Corbett demonstrated a high level of enthusiasm and creativity in ensuring her new business has a minimal impact on the countryside.

Two Hoots Campsite at Bighton near Alresford, was highly commended in the same category, with judges commenting the biggest impact for them was the overall feeling of tranquillity that owners Caz and Dave Parham have created at the site.

The awards and commendations were presented at the annual CPRE event, now in its 11th year, by the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson.

The annual awards celebrate the communities, volunteers, young people and businesses that support the charity’s mission of ‘standing up for the countryside’.

The winners in the four categories were chosen from a short list of 21 finalists, and received their awards at Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall, near Winchester.