MP for Rutland and Stamford Alicia Kearns has announced the final stage of voting is now open for Rutland and Stamford's Favourite Independent Shop Awards.

Over 1,000 nominations were received for businesses across Rutland, Stamford, South Kesteven and the Harborough Villages.

The voting is open from today until Friday 20 February and then the winners will be announced in March.

There are 21 categories open for voting, with Art and Antiques added due to popular demand.

Speaking about the business awards, Kearns said: 'Following the busy Christmas period, the quieter months can be a tough time for our independent shops.

'That's why I'm delighted to open final voting for my annual awards – a chance to offer your support, say thank you, and celebrate the local businesses who make our communities such wonderful places to live and visit.'

To vote, visit Alicia's website.

The Oakham businesses that have been nominated are as follows:

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Beauty, Pampering and Wellness:

• Olive Tanning and Beauty,
• Rutland Beauty,
• House of Beauty by Bailey,
• Life Rituals

Butcher

• Leeson Family Butchers

Café:

• Café Terry's
• Castle Cottage Café,
• Cosy Corner Café,
• Fika,
• Hungry Birds,

Clothing and accessories:

• The Birdcage,
• Cavells,
• Heidi Kjeldsen Jewellers,
• Maison Six,
• Nadinoo,

Craft and Hobby:

• Darn Knit,
• Wool Zone,

Food and Drink:

• Oakham Takeaway,
• Oakham Wines,
• Hoagies,
• Otters Fine Foods,
• Lily and Honey,

Gifts and Stationery:

• Foxy Lots,
• Quirky Bird,
• Snapdragon,

Hairdressers:

• Glow,
• Hair at Christine's,
• Number 3 Eco Salon,
• Tonerre,
• Twenty Twenty Hair,

Homeware:

• Connie Taylor Ceramics,
• Fōrm & Blōm,
• Knights of Oakham,
• Portess,

Music and Musical Instrument Shop:

• Rocka-Buy Records,

Pets:

• SAPS Animal and Pet Supplies,

Pharmacy

• Rutland Late Night Pharmacy

Special Commendation

• Savvi Travel,
• Dive Rutland
• Kevin O'Brien Gas Services,
• Rutland Sports,