DOZENS of businesses across west Dorset are celebrating after winning accolades in this year’s Dorset Tourism Awards.

Pubs, cafes, hotels, bed and breakfasts, activities and services in Bridport, Lyme Regis and Beaminster were recognised for their contributions to tourism at the annual ceremony last week (November 8).

This year, the awards were presented by impressionist and Dorset resident, Debra Stephenson.

The prestigious ‘Winner of Winners’ trophy went to Dorset House bed and breakfast in Lyme Regis, who also picked up a gold award for the third successive year.

Other double winners included The Alexandra Hotel in Lyme Regis, which picked up gold in small hotel/boutique accommodation of the year and silver for the responsible, ethical and sustainable tourism award, and Acorn Inn in Evershot, near Beaminster, won bronze in the same category and gold for tourism pub of the year.

Bridport Tourist Information Centre took gold in the visitor information service category, with other Bridport businesses, including Bearkat Bistro, Highlands End Holiday Park and Golden Acre Holiday Bungalows picking up silver awards and West Bay Canoes gaining a bronze.

Dorset Forest Garden Glamping in Beaminster was awarded silver in the glamping and alternative accommodation category, as well as Charmouth based caravan parks, Monkton Wyld and Wood Farm, picking up silver and bronze, respectively, for touring, camping and caravanning park of the year.

Nick Fernyhough, of headline sponsors Saffery Champness, said: “It is great to see a record number of entrants and the quality undoubtedly increases every year.

“Our Bournemouth team of over 50 people is very proud of all the entrants, all the winners and all those that then go on to compete at South West level – they show the way for the whole of this vital industry here in Dorset.

“Saffery’s are delighted to be part of the success story that is Dorset tourism and leisure.”

The Dorset Tourism Awards have seen year on year growth since their launch in June 2013.

Robin Barker, who has led the awards throughout this development, has been delighted with progress and said: “This year has seen record entries, more sponsors and our most challenging judging ever.

“It has been an honour to be associated with so many outstanding businesses and I want to offer my congratulations to all the winners. You set the bar.”

A full list of winners can be found at www.dorsettourismawards.org.uk