A community transport scheme has won recognition in a national awards scheme for rural businesses.

Llanwrtyd Wells Community Transport was recognised at the Rural Business Awards' national final at the grade II The Monastery building in Manchester.

The awards aim to recognise and celebrate the successes of businesses operating in the UK’s rural economy.

“The Rural Business Awards shines a much-deserved spotlight on the innovators, creators and inventors in rural communities across the UK and it’s great to celebrate their successes at this year’s national final,” said Doug Gurr, UK country manager at Amazon, which backs the awards.

“The calibre of businesses entering this year’s awards has been higher than ever. I’d like to congratulate all the winners and nominees and wish them continued success for the future.”

Winners and runners up were announced for 12 categories, following hundreds of entrants, a competitive shortlist process and a series of regional presentations. The Powys-based transport scheme was runner-up for the Rural Social Enterprise, Charity or Community Project of the Year Award.

Llanwrtyd Wells Community Transport supports people living in the area, from the elderly, to the young, those that suffer with physical or mental disabilities, socially-isolated people and everyone who needs transport when they have no other means of getting about. It offers shopping trips, days out, and group hire, as well as a community car service.

The organisation operates on just three full-time members of staff, seven part-time staff and 12 volunteers. Last year its volunteers gave up nearly 4,000 hours to the organisation.

Laura Burns, operations manager at Llanwrtyd Wells Community Transport, said: “We are delighted to be the runner up for the Rural Social Enterprise, Charity or Community Project of the Year Award.

"As rural services are disappearing, it is social enterprises and charities like Llanwrtyd Wells Community Transport that are stepping into the gap. The Rural Business Awards are a key part of promoting the important work of organisations like ours. This award will mean so much to our local community, especially our wonderful volunteers, without whom what we do wouldn't be possible, and we can’t wait to celebrate with them.”

The winner of the award was The Pheasant at Neenton, a community-owned pub.