Foxbury the best in UK (From Witney Gazette)

Foxbury the best in UK

2:30pm Tuesday 13th February 2007 in News By Tim Hughes

STAFF at Foxbury Farm Shop, Brize Norton, are celebrating after being named the best local food store in Britain.

The farm shop, in Burford Road, beat competition from stores across the country to win a Best Rural Retailer award.

The shop, which is run by Colin and Di Dawes, picked up first prize in the Best Local Food Retailer category. The award was presented at the House of Lords on Wednesday.

The shop had already won the South of England section of the award, and was up against stiff competition - including Chatsworth farm Shop, in Derbyshire, which is run by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

Mrs Dawes said: "It's a phenomenal achievement, not only for Colin and me, but for all our staff and customers. We are a fairly new farm shop, and have only been open for five years. But the judges liked our ethos, and the way we do things. For Oxfordshire to have a national winner is fantastic. Our shop supports the local economy, and is much 'greener' for everybody."

The awards, backed by the Countryside Alliance, were announced by Alliance chief executive, Simon Hart, and chairman, Kate Hoey MP.

Also addressing the reception was the Minister for Sustainable Farming and Food, Lord Rooker.

Mr Hart said: "Nothing is sold before Colin or his staff have been to see it produced and are happy that it is of the highest quality.

"As well as the produce, the commitment to community is central to Foxbury, with schools coming to tour the farm.

"This shop has vision, but also celebrates the UK's farming heritage."