Voting for Rutland and Melton's Favourite Independent Shop Awards has opened.

Run by the MP for Rutland and Melton Mowbray, Alicia Kearns, the annual shop awards are hosted to showcase the best in local business across the area, and include categories:

• beauty, pampering and wellness
• butcher
• café
• clothing and accessories
• crafting and hobbies
• farm and produce
• food and drink
• garden
• gift and stationery
• homeware
• pharmacy
• village shop
• other

Last year's awards saw a host of local shops being recognised, including but not limited to Portess and Rutland Late Night Pharmacy on Oakham High Street, and Gates Garden Centre - which was named the overall winner.

Read more here.

Alicia Kearns said: "Final voting for Rutland and Melton's Favourite Independent Shop Awards 2023-2024 is now open!

"Thank you to all of you who nominated your favourite shops locally – we received over 300 nominations!"

Support your favourite shops by voting for them on Alicia Kearns's website.

Voting closes on Friday 26 January, and the overall winners will be announced in February 2024.

Hear more from the Conservative MP here: