Final preparations are underway for the Dorset Echo Industry Awards.

The long wait is over with the prestigious awards ceremony set to take place this Friday.

Weymouth College will host the ceremony in its acclaimed Dorset Training Academy.

Julia Cohen, Head of External Partnerships at Weymouth College says students have been busy getting involved with the preparations.

She explained: “Preparations are now well in hand here at Weymouth College for this week’s Dorset Echo Industry Awards.

“Our students have been heavily involved in planning and preparations with catering students helping to plan the four-course menu they will serve on the evening.

“There will also be a gallery of student’s artwork on display, and an ensemble piece choreographed by the performing arts students especially for the event.

“Apprentices have been involved in all aspects of event planning, room design, sound support, lighting and photography.

“The Dorset Echo Industry Awards is a great opportunity for our students to get involved in a real-life project and showcase their skills, whilst local companies have the chance to see first-hand the talents of their potential future workforce. Everyone at Weymouth College is really looking forward to Friday’s event.”

The awards aim to bring together the best of businesses in the DT postcode sector, recognising their achievements.

This year’s event is kindly sponsored by Dream Doors, Sherrens, WPCC, SWIB, and are supported by Weymouth College and the Dorset Training Academy, with 12 awards up for grabs.

Dorset Echo editor Diarmuid MacDonagh said: “The judges have had a difficult task picking this year’s winners, it was no easy feat with plenty of applications and promising talent across the categories. I look forward to seeing the winners on Friday and am sure they all have bright futures ahead of them.”

The awards ceremony is invite only and will be attended by local businesses and the judges involved with this year’s competition.

It will start with a drinks reception from 6pm.