AN ILKLEY-based business has been shortlisted for the Rural Business Awards.

Little Beau Sheep - which sells natural wool dryer balls - is up for the Best Rural Start-Up award.

The producer of the hand-made laundry and body care range will go on to the regional finals to be held in October, where it will go up against other rural businesses from East and North Yorkshire.

Sarah Turner, company founder, said: “I am super chuffed to get through to the final.

“It feels good to receive the recognition. When you’re working on your own it’s a boost.”

Miss Turner is working on producing limited editions of the laundry balls by using rare and native wool.

She added: “I support the British Wool Enterprise and the products are made from British wool.”

The Rural Business Awards attract hundreds of entries from businesses all over rural Britain and there are several other categories within the awards.

The winners of the regional finals will attend the grand final in February next year.