Llangurig post office in the running for a 'Rural Oscar'

Colin and Mary Davies, owners of Llangurig Post Office & Stores, are hoping to walk away with one of the Countryside Alliance Awards.

They have got a shot at winning the prestigious award after being shortlisted as a Welsh finalist.

It’s the annual celebration of rural produce, skills, enterprise and heritage which is now in its 13th year.

The husband and wife team have run the village shop and post office for 22 years. Mary says it’s “very pleasing” and “encouraging” to be nominated for the award.

“We’ve had wonderful support from day one from people around the area. We’re truly blessed to to live in a lovely area.

“We’re more than a retail shop. We’re the first port of call. We’re heavily based in the community and we’re used as a hub if someone’s got a question or a problem. We try to be as welcoming as possible.”

She added: “We’re in a very rural part of the world and with the closure of banks, post offices are more important than ever. We’re busier than ever and as a small rural business, we make a big difference.”

More than 17,000 nominations were received this year, across five categories such as best local food and drink, village shop or post office, butcher, rural enterprise, and pub.

Llangurig Post Office & Stores is up against Blaenavon Post Office in Torfaen, Cleddau Stores and Post Office in Pembrokeshire, and Rhydymwyn General Store in Flintshire.

Sarah Lee, Countryside Alliance awards director, said: “We received a record breaking 17,000 nominations this year showing just how much the public values and supports our hard-working rural businesses.

“All of the finalists should be really proud to have gotten this far as it shows just how valued they are in their rural communities.

“The Countryside Alliance is honoured to offer a voice to rural business in this way and recognise all the hard work that is done.

“I look forward to getting out and visiting these fantastic businesses as judging gets underway.