The 2021 Bridport Business Awards have officially launched and are open for entries.

Although a lot has changed and the awards adapted, they still aim to recognise the wonderful efforts made by local businesses.

A spokesman for Bridport Business Awards said: "The awards will be a celebration and promotion of the fantastic range of services, independent retail outlets, crafts and arts producers that the town has to offer.

"It's been such a tough year and it's a way of reminding everyone what a unique selection of traders the town has and also a way of galvanising a spirit of fightback - we're open for business."

The categories are:

• Best Community Support

• Rising Star of the Year

• Most Welcoming Business

• Best Customer Service

• Arts, Crafts and Design

• Best Use of Digital

• Pub or Café of the Year

• Restaurant of the Year

• Green Business of the Year

• Independent Business of the Year

• New Business of the Year

• Retail Business of the Year

• Service Provider of the Year

The spokesman added: "Finally, we would urge residents to shop locally this Christmas as many businesses have turned to online selling and other ingenious routes to provide a service.

"Their support at this time will play a vital part in the income and feasibility of some businesses."

The awards are embraced and supported by Bridport Business Chamber and local sponsors such as Footeprints, Higos Insurance, Watershed PR and St Michael's Trading Estate.

Rob Muhl, president of Bridport Business Chamber, said: "In this year of unprecedented change it is remarkable how our community has pulled together.

"These awards allow us to acknowledge when someone does something good and highlight hard work and inventiveness."

The closing date for entries is February 1 and the awards ceremony will be live streamed on March 11, 2021.

Entry is free and businesses can enter as many categories as they want.

For more information and to enter the awards, visit bridportbusinessawards.co.uk