RURAL crimefighters could win £1000 by helping to keep countryside communities safe.

The Country Crime Fighters Awards is a nationwide competition to recognise innovative examples of crime prevention in the countryside.

The competition is run by rural insurer NFU Mutual.

“Whether it’s the recession, tighter security in towns, or the rise in oil, meat and scrap metal prices, countryside people are feeling the blight of rural crime on their land,” it said.

“However, country people are not taking this scourge lying down. Across the country new security initiatives are springing up involving rural communities.”

The aim of the awards is to find the UK’s best and most dedicated rural crime fighters whose actions have made the biggest difference to their local neighbourhoods.

Four award categories with cash prizes of £1,000 up for grabs to help fund anti-crime initiatives.

The deadline for entries is midnight on 31 May 2013.

For full details, click here.