Businesses across Dorchester have been announced as finalists in the Dorset Tourism Awards.

More than 90 entries were received into the awards, with 60 selected as finalist who are now in suspense until the awards day, scheduled for February 4, when they will learn whether they have won gold, silver, bronze or a special award. A further nine received commended status.

Sculpture By The Lakes is up for four awards and has been named a finalist in the ethical, responsible and sustainable tourism award, small visitor attraction of the year, tourism event/festival of the year and the tourism innovation award.

Simon Gudgeon, owner of Sculpture By The Lakes, said: "We're delighted to be recognised in four categories in the prestigious Dorset Tourism Awards.

"It's been a challenging and interesting year but all the team here have risen to the challenge so it's nice to see our work recognised in this way.

"We wish all the finalists good luck in each of the categories and we're hoping we can bring home a trophy or two for all the team here at Sculpture By The Lakes."

Xtreme Dorset Falconry Park has received a commended award in the small visitor attraction of the year award.

Tara at Xtreme Dorset Falconry Park said: "We are very pleased to have received a commended award from Dorset Tourism.

"It has been a difficult year for so many businesses and to still be recognised for the work we do with the animals in our care is an honour.

"More importantly, we would like to thank the visitors themselves for being so positive last year, coming out to visit us and supporting the work we do.

"As a brand-new conservation centre we are obviously thrilled to receive this recognition."

Dove House and Swallows in Dorchester is in the running for self-catering accommodation of the year.

Awards organiser Robin Baker of Services for Tourism said: "The past 10 months have been a challenge for everyone - to survive let alone prosper.

"Having considered abandoning the awards, I'm so glad we preserved, adapting and changing along the way.

"The delight we're witnessing amongst finalists on being told of their success makes it all so worthwhile."

A full list of finalist can be seen here

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