WEST Dorset firms are celebrating after picking up awards at this year's Taste of the West awards.

Denhay Farm, based at Broadoak, claimed the champion meat and poultry award for the second year running, while Dorset House in Lyme Regis has been named as the best bed and breakfast in the South West.

The champions were announced last week at a ceremony held at Exeter Cathedral, attended by more than 400 guests.

The lunch menu was specially created using Taste of the West Award winning products from across the region, including Denhay’s dry cured unsmoked gammon joint for the main course.

Jim Loescher, managing director of Denhay Farms, who received the award, said: “We are over the moon to have won this award for the second year running.

"To be a finalists is a great achievement, but to go on and win as champion is a fantastic accolade to everyone involved within the business. Credit must go especially to the guys in the factory who are dedicated to ensuring that the consistency and quality of every pack is gold standard.”

Dorset House owners Lyn and Jason Martin picked up the business' award at the ceremony.

Lyn said: "It's an incredible boost to be recognised in this way.

"We've tried to make Dorset House the kind of place we would like to stay ourselves. Lovingly home-cooked breakfasts, stylish and comfortable rooms and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere are at the heart of what we do."

Jason said: "We always had a strong vision of what we wanted to achieve.

"It's about doing the simple things well. We cook with the best, locally produced ingredients, organic where possible. Guests love a traditional English cooked breakfast and we always offer that, but we also provide other specialities that change with the seasons. Going on holiday should be fun and we enjoy indulging our guests with treats like spelt pancakes and maple syrup."

Bridport-based Baboo Gelato was named champion ice cream and sorbet producer for its lemon sorbet, The Wobbly Cottage in Stoke Abbott was named champion savoury bakery and Marshwood Scrumpers was awarded champion non-alcoholic cold drink for its dry apple juice.

Annie Hanbury, founder of Baboo Gelato, said: "We're obviously absolutely delighted to win such a prestigious award in our first year of operation.

"We'd like to thank all those who've given us their support and advice at our kiosk in West Bay this summer."

John Sheaves, chief Executive of Taste of the West, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the response by industry to our awards programme this year.

"These awards underpin those values and strengthen our regional brand, a brand which is attracting considerable interest from new markets – both nationally and internationally, and is now opening up new opportunities for the region’s foodie sector. There is a real energy and excitement about our group now which is very gratifying.”