A NEW brewery near Winchester has won a conservation charity’s Hampshire Countryside Awards.

The annual event organised by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (Hampshire) is a showcase for rural projects.

Upham Brewery Expansion Project won the rural enterprise category. Shortlisted was Chestnut Horse public house at Easton.

Simon Blandford, partner at sponsors SmithsGore, Winchester office, said: “The finalists showcase the strength and diversity of rural businesses in the Winchester area. Both candidates have demonstrated confidence in their ability to influence the local rural economy by creating employment opportunities and support for other producers in the area.”

Mr Blandford added: “Confidence is critical for businesses and is often an early indicator of profitability. We are delighted that the businesses in our region are driving investment and production and the rural economy and local people are benefiting as a result.”

The Lord-Lieutenant, Dame Mary Fagan, presented the awards on behalf of the CPRE. Dame Mary praised all of the finalists and encouraged those present to support the charity.

Andover Trees United won the youth category, whilst Jodrell Close Wildlife Garden, Horndean, took the voluntary and community category.

The annual awards, which are run by CPRE Hampshire with Hampshire Fare and Hampshire Ambassadors, have been celebrating the county’s diverse, living countryside since 2007.

The principal supporters of the awards are Steve’s Leaves, farmers who work in an environmentally friendly way with ten per cent of the land dedicated to nature and the creation of wildlife habitats.