Dorset farming businesses were top of the crops at national awards run by Farmers Weekly.

Rob and Tina Bartlett, of Bartlett Contractors in Hinton St Mary, and Alastair Hayton, of Synergy Farm Health in Dorchester won contractor of the year and farm advisor of the year respectively.

Bartlett contractors was founded in 1959 and remains a family business, with three generations involved in the running of it. The business has continued to grow, despite the intense competition in the region.

Alistair is a specialist vet who is pioneering a new TB test and has a string of papers and a book to his name. He is a consultant for two major supermarket chains, advising them on hygiene and milk quality and has farming clients.

The judges said: "Bartlett Contractors has customer relationships that stretch back 50 years. A wide range of services helps keep the books balanced and team busy year-round in a highly competitive area.

“Alastair is a highly motivated individual who has linked science and practical dairy farming, and is passionate about giving back to the industry. He is helping to face the challenges for dairy farmers."

The awards were held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane London on Thursday, October 1, and hosted by Hugh Dennis, comedian, actor, writer and impressionist from BBC’s Outnumbered and the Now Show.