PRESTIGIOUS awards for 'world class customer service' have been given to west Dorset businesses.

The VisitEngland ROSE (Recognition Of Service Excellence) awards highlight places that provide visitors with the warmest of welcomes. Nationally only 100 ROSE awards are given out each year.

They celebrate the establishments where the owners, management and employees, irrespective of their star rating, style or type of accommodation, provide outstanding experiences for their customers.

Dorset as a whole did very well with eight different businesses picking up prizes, including four in west Dorset.

The winners in west Dorset:

  • Dazzle Treehouse, Mallinson's Woodland Retreat, Holditch
  • Whatley Cottage, Beaminster
  • The White House, Lyme Regis
  • The Bridge House, Bridport

Hayley Skelton, who owns Whatley Cottage with her partner Russell, says the prize is 'a real surprise'.

She added: "We were thrilled to get it because the cottage has only been taking holidays since last April, so to go from nothing to winning quite a prestigious award. Only 99 other people across the UK get it."

Sara Edwards owns the Bridge House in Bridport with her husband.

She said: "We are so delighted to receive this prestigious award from Visit England, and for doing something we love.

"We choose staff very carefully, in fact the often choose us. Everyone is highly valued and we all share the same ethos. Being happy in your workplace comes through as a genuine warmth that cannot be switched off and on.

"We are always telling the team how fab they are, now it’s official."

Other Dorset winners: 

  • Durbaville, Greenwood Grange, Dorchester
  • Gresham Hotel, Weymouth
  • The Clarence, Weymouth
  • Kingston Country Courtyard, Wareham

VisitEngland Advisory Board Member Nadine Thomson said: “The ROSE Awards celebrate and champion the accommodation businesses across England who go above and beyond in their customer service to guarantee visitors have amazing experiences.

"There truly is a place to stay to suit all tastes and budgets in England and these awards also highlight the exceptional variety on offer."

VisitEngland describes itself as the national tourist board for England and is responsible for marketing England to domestic and established overseas markets and for improving England's tourism product.