A Midsomer Norton hunting and firearms shops has won the Traditional Business Award in a regional competition.

A M Hobbs Firearms and Angling, at The Island, took the prize for the South West in the Countryside Alliance Awards and has a chance to win the national title, competing against other regional winners.

Shop manager Paul Rogers, known locally as 'Podge', said: "It is an honour to have won the award. Our aim is to offer the best service we can and we are very grateful our efforts have been noticed."

The awards celebrate the skills, produce, traditions and enterprise of the countryside through the characters who work so hard to make it tick. They are run across 12 regions, with winners from each going forward to the national finals, to be held at the House of Lords in London on March 18.

Regional director and head judge, Alison Hawes, said: "Podge provides exceptional service and knowledge of a kind not often seen these days.

"Whether it be rifles, shotguns, game fishing, sea fishing or coarse fishing, Podge will go the extra mile to help.

"Fieldsports are such an integral part of West Country life and it is a pleasure to be honouring this shop in the Countryside Alliance Awards."