A pub with views across a West Dorset valley has been recognised for its garden.

Trace and Steve Brady, licensees of the Marquis of Lorne at Nettlecombe, have been awarded the West Dorset CAMRA pub garden of the year award.

The award was judged by a panel of CAMRA members who said the pub was a clear winner.

Situated half a mile from Powerstock the 16th century inn, which is owned by Palmers brewery, has views across the valley toward Powerstock and Eggardon hill.

Judges found that the garden is split into various areas and is well kept through-out the year. One of the main highlights that the judges acknowledged was the children’s play equipment and safe surroundings. The gardens are split into three main areas with outside benching and tables throughout.

The pub front is donned by rose bushes that are spectacular when in bloom. The gardens are bordered by ever-green bushes and shrubs and the lawns are well kept, you can see there is a lot of love and attention to detail in the design and lay-out. Herbaceous plants and vegetables for the kitchen are also cultivated in a separate area.

Judges added: "There is a hidden small fairy garden that sometimes seems to magically re-locate under mysterious forces! All of these small touches make this garden a wonderful relaxing experience."

Trace said: “We are all delighted here at The Marquis to hear that we have received the award of West Dorset CAMRA’s best pub garden. It was a great surprise and very much appreciated to be put forward and nominated for it let alone win it. Thank you. We are pleased so many people enjoy our grounds and wish to thank Maggie and David for all their hard work and hours they spend keeping it in order for us.

"It really helps parents and adults to relax and enjoy our home-produced food and drink Palmers ale while the children are happy and having fun playing in the playground and fairy garden.”

West Dorset CAMRA chairman Dave Harris added: “We’re delighted to have the Marquis of Lorne selected as our pub garden of the year. In this, our second year of running the competition, there were several strong contenders. We have had eight judges evaluating the gardens, and after their work the Marquis of Lorne came out a clear winner - very well done!”