ORGANISERS of an awards scheme for independent retailers in Dorchester have been forced to postpone them due to a surge in popularity.

The Dorchester Independent Retail Awards are being held for a second year and they were due to be presented in early March.

However, due to a large increase in entries from last year, it has been announced that the awards are now being postponed until a new date can be found.

A spokesman for the awards said: "The Dorchester Independent Retail Awards for 2016 have been postponed. The committee remains very keen to engage with all retailers across Dorchester and Poundbury.

"However, due to a significant year on year increase in the number of businesses that could be involved the process is going to take more time than originally planned.

"As a result, the awards have been delayed until a new date can be found.

"More information about the awards will follow in due course."

After a successful first year that saw dozens of local businesses enter, this year's awards have been backed by the Dorchester BID (Business Improvement District) and the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce as well as a host of local firms as sponsors.

The surge in interest also saw organisers facing a rise in entries of around 33 per cent from last year, meaning extra time is needed to assess all the entries fully.

The awards see local retailers are judged by a team of secret shoppers, who rate their experience across a range of criteria.

The process also involves each entrant receiving a critique of their performance, so the awards not only showcase local businesses, but also aim to help everyone who enters achieve even higher standards.

For more information about the Dorchester Independent Retail Awards and for news of the new date when it is announced visit dorchesterretailawards.co.uk