There has been a "fantastic" response from businesses to the first Dorchester and Poundbury Business Awards.

Organisers of the awards, launched at the end of 2020, report that the website and launch video have received more than 500 viewings and entries are rolling in.

Nigel Reeve, of organisers Marketing West South West Ltd, said: "We see the awards as a great way for local businesses to gain recognition for the way they have dealt with the pandemic and for the innovative steps many have taken to keep trading under such great pressures.

"Dorchester and Poundbury have some fantastic independent traders and we urge people to support them.

"We'd also like to thank the sponsors and supporters that make these awards possible."

Any business that is based in and around Dorchester and Poundbury or trades there can enter, it's free to do so with 12 categories to choose from and you can enter as many as you like.

The entry form can be found on the website.

Entries close on march 21 and judging will be by a panel of 10 locals.

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