THEY have shot to the top of the class in the South-East and now they are on target to be the best in Britain.

The Lains Shooting School and Mullenscote Gun Dog Training in Quarley has seen off competition to scoop the Traditional Business Award for South-East England in the Countryside Alliance Awards.

The awards celebrate the hard work and dedication of those whose efforts keep the traditions of the countryside alive.

Lains School will now go head-to-head with 11 other businesses from throughout the country to win the national title at the House of Lords in March.

Howard Kirby, who runs the school, said he was delighted with the victory: “It’s wonderful news for the whole family who are involved here at Lains.

“I’d like to thank everyone who nominated us for the award and we’re all looking forward to going to the national finals in London in March.”

Sara Rutherford, the head judge, said: “The owner, Howard Kirby, is dedicated to offering safe, knowledgeable and professional guidance on shooting and gun-dog handling.

“Howard has ambitious plans to expand the shooting school and further develop the education side of the business.

“This will allow Lains to strive forward in passing on the traditional values, skills and knowledge to the next generation.