SOUTH Devon's 'nearly naked' vegetable growing operation, which can deliver an entire roast dinner to your front door, is in line for a rural Oscar.

The business, which launched its 'box' scheme across South Devon two years ago, has been handed an enterprise prize in the Countryside Alliance Awards.

The enterprise, run by 28-year-old Ben Brunning, is one of four from the South West which have been put forward as alliance regional finalists with a shot at a national title in the annual awards scheme.

Ben, who said he was 'delighted' by the award, said his business now delivers to 180 customers a week across the whole of the South Hams and Newton Abbot and even just into Cornwall.

He said it also has some 400 on-line regular customers.

Awards judge Alison Hawes said of Ben's operation: "This is an excellent initiative where vegetable boxes are sold direct from Ben Brunning's farm.

"You can even get your Sunday roast joint sent with your veg for the weekend, which has become incredibly popular.

"Everything sold is locally produced and the company has big plans to link up with other local producers, making Nearly Naked Veg a true enterprise with a lot to offer.

"Educating the next generation is also a big element of the business as Ben is passionate about teaching kids where their food comes from and helps them plant veg patches.

"The company also provides veg boxes direct to schools.

"This energetic young business has also formed a recent partnership with Plymouth Argyle youth team to encourage youngsters into sport. So much going on and so much yet to do, this is a great enterprise."

The Nearly Naked Veg business is run from the Turtley Corn Mill at Avonwick near Totnes where Ben's parents Bruce and Lesley run the restaurant and have three other premises elsewhere in the region.

Ben grows his veg on sites at Newton Ferrers and Loddiswell in the South Hams as well as a small site at South Brent. He also supplies local pubs.