A prestigious award for 'world class customer service' has been given to several Dorset businesses.

The VisitEngland ROSE (Recognition Of Service Excellence) Awards highlight places that provide visitors with the warmest of welcomes. Nationally only 100 ROSE Awards are given out each year.

They celebrate the establishments where the owners, management and employees, irrespective of their star rating, style or type of accommodation, provide outstanding experiences for their customers.

Dorset as a whole did very well with eight different businesses picking up prizes.

The winners in Dorset

  • Durbaville, Greenwood Grange, Dorchester
  • Gresham Hotel, Weymouth
  • The Clarence, Weymouth
  • Kingston Country Courtyard, Wareham
  • Dazzle Treehouse, Mallinson's Woodland Retreat, Holditch
  • Whatley Cottage, Beaminster
  • The White House, Lyme Regis
  • The Bridge House, Bridport

The Clarence in Weymouth is run by Richard Egan and his wife. They have run the guest house for more than 18 years and have eight rooms.

Mr Egan said: "It feels good to win. We put a lot of effort into it over the years, but we were still surprised to get it. We were just being our normal selves. We have always done our own thing."

The Gresham Hotel's owner Louise Matthews says she is honoured to havewon the award. This is her third season, having bought the hotel two and a half years ago.

She said: "We are over the moon, absolutely delighted.

"They only give out about 100 a year so it is quite an honour. We have a really good team and everyone works really hard. We never lose sight of the fact are providing a service to the guests whether it's two nights or two weeks."

VisitEngland advisory board member Nadine Thomson said: “The ROSE Awards celebrate and champion the accommodation businesses across England who go above and beyond in their customer service to guarantee visitors have amazing experiences.

"There truly is a place to stay to suit all tastes and budgets in England and these awards also highlight the exceptional variety on offer."

VisitEngland describes itself as the national tourist board for England and is responsible for marketing England to domestic and established overseas markets and for improving England's tourism product.