A FAMOUS Faversham food shop has been nominated for a business award to the delight of its owners.

Macknade Fine Foods, which now has a town centre outlet as well as the shop on the A2, is in the running for British Small Business Champion of 2004.

Owner Renato Cuomo who runs the business with his wife Patricia said: "I'm pleased - we've never won any awards.

“We started out as a pick your own and farm shop then we developed into a fine food shop with pasta imported from Italy, salami, cheeses and Chinese food. People seem to appreciate the Mediterranean diet which is very popular at the moment."

Macknade Fine Foods, which employs 20 staff and has been based on the A2 for 16 years, is up against five other Southern businesses for the regional title. The winner will then compete for the national prize.

Stephen Pegge for Lloyds TSB Business, co-sponsors of the awards, says: "The quality of entries from this region was exceptionally high. Macknade Fine Foods has done exceptionally well to get this far and is a shining example of what a small firm can achieve for itself, its staff and its community."

The national finals take place at Claridges, London on November 10.