A Shropshire councillor has scooped a top award for political campaigning in London.

Councillor Heather Kidd, South Shropshire District Council member for Chirbury, was awarded the Grassroots Award for local political campaigning at the Countryside Alliance Awards in London.

She said: “I do all those things because I think they are right but sometimes just to have someone tell you it was a good thing is really nice.”

The Wellington Carriage Company was named the Countryside Alliance’s top traditional business of 2008 at the ceremony at the House of Lords in Westminster.

Judges said founder and sole employee at the business Philip Holder deserved recognition “for creating a thriving business based on traditional craftsmanship”.

The 66-year-old has been making and repairing traditional horsedrawn carriages since he was a teenager.

Simon Hart, Countryside Alliance chief executive, announced the winners at the event. Mr Hart said: “Philip’s traditional business was described by regional judges as an incredible jewel of traditional skill and craftsmanship.

“Councillor Kidd has been honoured for her extensive work locally and nationally for rural housing. She has worked for the rural housing commission and on all recent national housing reviews.

“She has campaigned for bus services, local schools and has also led the local fight for post offices. Her energy and commitment to her community make her a worthy winner of this inaugural award.”