Countryside heroes and farming trailblazers are among the finalists for the inaugural Norfolk Rural Business Awards.

The new awards scheme was launched earlier this year by Norfolk County Council in partnership with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA).

Now the judges have drawn up a shortlist for each of the nine categories, with the winners set to be announced at the Royal Norfolk Show on Thursday 27 June, in the Long Acre marquee.

The finalists in each category are as follows.

Best Food Producer: DJ Barnard, Norfolk and Better. Best Drink Maker: Barsham Brewery, The English Distillery. Best Rural Community Initiative: Clinks Care Farm, Gressenhall Community Enterprise. Best Farming Innovation Adopter: Ken Hill Farms & Estate, Place UK. Norfolk’s Unsung Hero: Max Hubble of Hub4Parts, David Holliday of Norfolk Brewhouse. Best Farming Champion: Ken Hill Farms & Estate, Mark Gorton. Best High Growth Business: Albert & Arthur England, Bacon’s Firewood, Walcott Farms. Best Emerging Talent: Felix Field, Tom Martin and Hannah Hetherington. Best Sustainable Land Use/Farming Exemplar: Fischer Farms, Ken Hill Farms & Estate.

Fabian Eagle, Norfolk's cabinet member for economic growth, said: “The standard of entries was high, and we’re delighted to have so many outstanding people shortlisted for the first-ever Norfolk Rural Business Awards.

"There are some really innovative businesses and organisations to be found in the rural areas of our county and they deserve to be shouted about.

"I am looking forward to seeing the winners unveiled at next month’s ceremony and I hope this event will become a regular feature at the Royal Norfolk Show.”

RNAA managing director Mark Nicholas added: "The scheme highlights the outstanding people and businesses at the forefront of innovation and growth in our rural and farming communities.

"It is absolutely right that the awards are announced at the Royal Norfolk Show which has been at the forefront of innovation in agriculture for over 200 years.”