Businesses in and around Dorchester have made it into the finals if the South West Tourism Awards.

After winning at the Dorset Tourism Awards, Dorset Museum is in the running for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and FORM - The Sculpture Exhibition which was held at Sculpture by the Lakes is shortlisted for Tourism Event/Festival of the Year.

The South West Tourism Awards had 476 entries from Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

More than 70 judges spent months poring over entry submissions, websites, social media review sites, as well as carrying out business visits. Reports and recommendations were then submitted to an independent panel who made the final decisions.

Up to four finalists have been announced in each category, but all will have to wait to find out if they have won gold, silver or bronze. Some will also be nominated to represent the South West in the national VisitEngland Awards later in the year.

The South West Tourism Awards will return face-to-face at Exeter's Sandy Park on April 7.

Robin Barker, director of Services for Tourism Ltd, which manages the awards, said: "Tourism has been referred to as 'the happiness business' and after two years of online events I can't wait to share some happiness once again with the region's tourism businesses and the many sponsors, partners and supporters who make the awards possible.

"It has been a life-changing two years in so many ways - roll on April 7."

For a full list of finalists, visit southwesttourismawards.org.uk

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