A UNIQUE partnership between Salisbury Playhouse and Wilton Carpet Factory has received glittering recognition.

Arts and Business, the national charity dedicated to encouraging new and sustainable arts and business relationships, shortlisted the pair for its 27th National Arts and Business Awards.

Wilton Carpet Factory and Salisbury Playhouse made it through to the final five of the Arts, Business and small/medium enterprise category - judges recognising a partnership that demonstrated the positive power of community spirit.

The carpet giants sponsored last year's Playhouse panto, Aladdin, and decided to stage a special fun day last October, including a design your own rug competition.

Eight-year-old Callum Batty, of Alderbury, got to see his winning design manufactured into a large magic carpet.

Regional director of Arts and Business Phil Gibby said: "This year's entries were incredibly strong and have elicited great discussion amongst the judges from the business and arts world.

"The shortlist is a superb example of how business and the arts can work well together."

The Arts and Business awards will be announced on March 1, at the Barbican Centre, in London.

Playhouse artistic director Joanna Read said: "We are delighted to have had our work with the Wilton Carpet Factory outlets nominated for this award.

"We work in partnership with a wide range of local business and always try to be as creative as possible to help them achieve their different aims.

"This partnership was particularly successful - and long may the work between the local business community and the playhouse continue."

Last year, Salisbury Playhouse won an A&B award for a mosaic partnership project with PPML (now Capita PPML).