The UK's finest farm shop and farmers market have been revealed by NFU bosses.

Hexham, Northumberland, scooped the farmers' markets accolade while Hollow Trees Farm Shop, Semer, near Ipswich fought off hot competition from other shops in the shop contest.

The winners impressed judges with a broad range of home-grown product, innovative promotion and exemplary marketing.

Hollow Trees started life at the roadside, but now employs 14 staff, while Hexham farmers market is one of the best supported in the north east, with more than 40 stalls and 2,000 customers.

NFU leaders said the victorious pair had shown resolve and determination amid difficult times.

Deputy president Tim Bennett said: 'We have been very impressed by the high standard of entries and I did not envy the judges' difficult task of selecting the national winners from such a strong field.

'After much deliberation, the judges selected winners that went that extra mile to offer customers high quality local produce and a shopping experience to guarantee their return.

'This competition enabled us to recognise excellence and reward success in this rapidly expanding retail sector which is playing an increasingly important role in many farm businesses.'

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