A popular pub has made it to the finals of the 'Rural Oscars' after wowing the judging panel of the esteemed competition. 

The White Bear Masham has been announced as a finalist in the Countryside Alliance Awards, competing for the North of England regional title.

The Awards, also known as the Rural Oscars, are the Countryside Alliance’s annual celebration of British food and farming, enterprise and heritage.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Inside the White Bear MashamInside the White Bear Masham (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Now in its seventeenth year, they are selected by public nomination, with thousands received every year.

Voting can be done online here and closes on Monday, April 1, with the winners announced in May.

One person who has backed the venue to go all the way in the finals is Skipton and Ripon MP, Julian Smith, who wants people to vote for the White Bear.

He said: “The White Bear Masham has done a fantastic job to get to the final of these awards.

"It’s a brilliant local pub and I’d strongly encourage everyone to take a few moments to register their vote. I wish them the very best of luck."