A WEST Dorset pub has been named as one of the best in the region after being shortlisted for an award.

The Anchor Inn at Seatown has been selected as a finalist in the Tourism Pub of the Year category at this year's South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

The coastal pub, once visited by Thomas Hardy, was also named the county's best gastro pub at October's Dorset Food, Drink and Farming Awards.

The South West Tourism Excellence Awards will take place at the brand new Lansdown Suite at the Ashton Gate stadium in Bristol on Thursday, February 2, 2017.

With 602 entries and more than 130 nominated finalists, organisers expect this to be the biggest ever tourism awards event in the region with up to 500 guests and a range of top speakers and entertainment on the bill. Finalists will come from across the South West with an increased proportion from Somerset, Bristol, Bath and Dorset, alongside more than 50 per cent from Cornwall and Devon.

The Anchor’s licensee Paul Wiscombe and his team are hoping to add the prize to their already impressive line-up of awards, including Sawday’s pub with rooms, a double Taste of the West Gold and four AA gold stars.

Mr Wiscombe said: “Having run the pub for nearly 13 years, it has been a very long road in getting us to where we are today and it is an absolutely fantastic feeling knowing that the vision that I have had for the business for some time is now being recognised.

"It has been a real team effort and I am awfully proud of the 'Anchor Army' for what they have achieved.”

Jayson Perfect, Palmers Brewery tenanted trade director, said: “We are all immensely proud of what Paul and his team at the Anchor have achieved and the nomination for this award is thoroughly deserved.

"The pub has always been hugely popular but this award is recognition that it is now one of the go to destinations in the South West, with a reputation that extends well beyond our corner of west Dorset, drawing in visitors to the area from far and wide."