The Cossins family, fifth- generation farmers known for their farm shop, butchery and Langton Arms pub, is using their passion for local food to host the Dorset Love Local Trust Local Awards.

During an open day at the family farm, visitors were chatting to the Cossins family about their love of genuine local produce, but would often ask: ‘How do we know that the food we buy elsewhere really is what it says it is?’

Inspired by these questions, and the doubt and fear created by the media, the Cossins family decided to do something about it.

The ‘Love Local Trust Local’ food awards were created to promote quality, honesty, and proximity in all the food and drink that we buy and consume,” said Barbara Cossins.

“The awards recognise and celebrate small, independent businesses with less than 30 full-time employees that genuinely support and embrace everything ‘local’ in their food and drink production,” she added.

The 12 categories are: Cakes, Pastries, and Confectionery; Diversification and Sustainability; Innovation; Bread; LLTL Local Champion; Drinks; Meat; Fish; Jams, Chutneys, and Honey; Cheese; Dairy; Rising Star.

To enter, you must own a small, independent Dorset business with less than 30 full-time employees, and demonstrate you are part of the ‘Love Local Trust Local’ food movement.

Secondly, your company must source ingredients from within 30 miles of your Dorset location. The deadline for submissions is Monday, September 14, at 5pm and can be emailed to awards@lovelocaltrustlocalawards.co.uk

“We wanted to create a set of new Dorset food awards all about the genuine, small, independent business, for those who have a fabulous product and work exceptionally hard to make it financially viable for themselves and their families.

“It’s for Dorset businesses which truly believe and execute being local in every sense of what they do. We want to celebrate and share their achievements,” Barbara emphasised.

Love Local, Trust Local Awards, www.lovelocaltrust