A DORSET pub has been nominated for a 'rural Oscar'.

The annual Countryside Alliance Awards are now open to public nomination, and The

White Hart at Yetminster could be in line for an accolade in the pub category.

The awards are the Countryside Alliance’s annual celebration of British food and farming, enterprise and heritage through small hard-working businesses.

They are set apart from other award schemes because they are driven by public nomination, offering customers the chance to say why their favourite businesses is worthy of national acclaim.

Judges will not just be looking for evidence of great produce, customer service and innovation, but stories of how businesses serve their communities.

Since taking over in March the new owners have rejuvenated The White Hart and have been working hard to make it the centre of the village once again.

They specialise in supporting small local businesses by stocking ales and ciders from within a 20 mile radius of the village. They also use local suppliers for their food and offer their premises for many local meetings.

The skittle alley is full of memorabilia dedicated to The Yetties who are from the village.

Blanche Alexander, licensee of The White Hart said: "We were really delighted to find out we had been nominated for this award and are so pleased that all the team's hard work has been given this recognition. All the village has been so supportive of our efforts to make the pub the centre of village life once more and we hope to continue building the business in the community."

Countryside Alliance Awards Director Sarah Lee said: “These awards provide a cause for celebration in a time of great uncertainty in the countryside. They were set up to provide a voice and a platform for the rural businesses that form the hearts of their communities.

"Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition, so please get involved and nominate today.

Nominations can be made online at countryside-alliance.org