STAFF at Dodge Interiors were celebrating after helping the industry reach a new benchmark.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has approved its selling practice - the Consumer Code of Practice - devised to promote and safeguard consumer interests.

Launched by the Carpet Foundation, the UK carpet industry's trade association, of which Dodge Interiors is a founding member, the Consumer Code of Practice has been five years in the making.

Dodge Interiors is based in Sherborne. Staff carry out most of their work in the Dorchester area, including carpet and flooring, fittings, sofa and curtain deliveries.

Adrian Dodge, managing director of Dodge Interiors, said: "OFT approval is a two-stage process. In phase one the code concept is agreed and in stage two the code sponsor, i.e. the Carpet Foundation, has to demonstrate that its members deliver the promises.

"Stage one was signed off by the OFT last year in August and now stage two has been approved. "This is due mostly to the outstanding results achieved from a customer satisfaction survey in which 98 per cent of purchasers were either very likely' or likely' to buy again from their registered specialist.

"Buying carpet can be a daunting experience for some people and it is important to us that our customers feel confident they are buying a quality carpet from a retailer they can trust.

"The OFT only approves codes that have proved effective in safeguarding and promoting consumers' interest beyond the basic requirements of the law."

The approved code has been adopted by more than 1,000 independent retailers, known as Registered Specialists, of which Dodge Interiors is one.

Mr Dodge added: "Gaining approval from the OFT is one of the highest endorsements we can achieve."