A tea manufacturer is amongst eight Dorset businesses to be shortlisted in a prestigious awards scheme.

Clipper Teas, which is based in Beaminster, has been shortlisted as the best rural manufacturing business and best rural drink business in the Rural Business Awards (RBAs).

Now in their fourth year, the RBAs are the only UK-wide business awards specifically for the rural sector.

The scheme, which is sponsored by Amazon, has been a huge success since it started with the first award ceremony held in 2015.

Clipper Teas and seven other Dorset businesses are finalists in the RBAs Regional Finals, and they will find out if they have won a top slot at a ceremony on Thursday, October 18 at Bath Racecourse.

Those successful at a regional level from the 13 award categories are put forward to the national final, which takes place in February, 2019.

Doug Gurr, UK country manager for Amazon, said: "Congratulations to all the shortlisted companies in the south west ahead of the regional finals of the 2018 Rural Business Awards. "These local businesses have a real positive impact on the local and national economy, and are a true inspiration to others.

"We wish all the nominees the best of luck ahead of the regional finals on October, 18."

Clipper Teas, which is owned by Wessanen UK, is the first brand to launch green tea in UK supermarkets, and was the UK's first tea brand to carry the Fairtrade mark.

Speaking on being shortlisted, Adele Ward, Clipper Teas brand controller at Wessanen UK, said: "We're delighted to be shortlisted in not one but two categories at the Rural Business Awards, which celebrates businesses that operate in a rural community.

"Clipper Teas has been in Dorset for more than 30 years and we're proud to call the region home.

"We've grown a lot since 1984, we now have more than 100 employees at our tea manufacturing site and export our range of natural, fair and delicious teas to more than 50 countries worldwide."

The RBAs were founded by Leicestershire businesswomen Jemma Clifford and Anna Price, with the aim to highlight the success of businesses across the UK's rural economy.

The awards are organised by rural business for rural business, with each category decided by an independent panel of judges drawn from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies, and charitable organisations.

Co-founder Anna Price said: "Congratulations to all the shortlisted businesses from Dorset which have made it this far in our awards.

"We are so proud to be holding the RBAs for the fourth year as they continue to go from strength to strength."