Dorset businesses have scooped up top prizes at a prestigious food and drink awards ceremony.
A number of west Dorset businesses received gold accreditation at the Taste of the West awards, which have been promoting and supporting the south west food and drink industry for more than 30 years.
Among the winners was Washingpool Farm Shop, Bridport, which picked up the prize for Best South West Farm Shop.
Grace Holland is a fourth-generation family member currently working in the farm shop and was also at the awards ceremony.
She said: “Winning was so unexpected; we were completely happy with just being a finalist. It really makes me feel proud to be a part of Washingpool.”
Judges said: “Washingpool is a well-established, long running family farm shop that offers a huge variety of local produce from all around the West Country. With a warm welcome, friendly and knowledgeable staff and located in an idyllic setting.”
The farm shop also boasts a restaurant, caravan park, holiday cottages and picturesque lakes.
People may also recognise Washingpool from season three of the hit ITV drama Broadchurch.
Sea Sisters Ltd, which is based in Symondsbury, also came out on top at the award ceremony, earning gold accreditation for a number of its fish products.
However, it was its Sardine Dolmades with Pistachio and Dill that earned the company the Champion Fish award.
Charlotte Dawe, Co-founder of Sea Sisters said: “We are passionate about sourcing ethically and responsibly from local fishers, women in the fishing industry and British aqua farmers.
“Sea Sisters is stocked locally in Soulshine as well as farm shops and delis across the UK.”
The packaging used in the brands products is 100 per cent recyclable.
Elsewhere, in north Dorset, The Grange at Oborne won Best South West Hotel.
The venue is a luxury country house hotel with eighteen bedrooms and an award-winning restaurant overlooking the floodlit gardens.
The hotel is owned by Karenza and Ken Mathews and managed by their daughter Jenny Fletcher and her husband Jon.
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