THE cream of Dorset’s property scene has been toasted at a gala awards ceremony.

Hosted by TV property expert Phil Spencer, the inaugural Dorset Property and Architecture Awards were handed out at the black tie event at the BIC’s Tregonwell Hall on Wednesday night.

A guestlist of more than 300 people from the sector, including architects, surveyors, estate agents and construction companies, came together to celebrate the county’s property excellence.

The awards were introduced by Phil Spencer, who has fronted a string of television property shows.

He spoke at length about his view of the county and how important the property industry was to Dorset.

Phil told the guests: “You’ll find that something like 20 per cent of the county’s firms are involved in some aspect of the construction industry or real estate activities.

“That’s a hugely significant measure of just how important our industry is to the Dorset economy; and I think it’s a real testament to the resolve of the industry locally that you’ve turned out in such numbers tonight.”

Sponsored by Planning Solutions, it is hoped that the Echo-backed awards will become an annual event on the property calendar, following a high calibre of entries in its first yearC.

The evening saw guests enjoy a drinks reception courtesy of PH Warr, followed by a three-course dinner.

Cash was also raised for the Wessex Cancer Trust, who offered guests the chance to bid on one of four chances to fly with the Blades, the aerobatic display team.

The winners

Best Conversion or Extension

• Winner: Morgan Carey – The Goods Shed, Wareham

• Highly Commended – Western Design – Pump House, Spetisbury

Best New Commercial or Mixed Use Development

• Winner – Graemar Group/Tesco – Westbourne Methodist Church

• Highly Commended – Christchurch Harbour Hotel Ltd/Broadway Malyan – Christchurch Harbour Hotels

Best New Community Project

• Winner – Borough of Poole /Ingenium Archial Ltd – Hamworthy Community Library

• Highly Commended – Philip Proctor & Associates – The Exchange, Sturminster Newton

Best Eco or Environmental Project

• Winner – Dorset County Council/Surestart – Children’s Centre, Swanage

• Highly Commended – Portus Homes/ Western Design – Partridge Walk, Poole

Best Rural Development

• Winner – Waitrose/John Lewis /Morgan Carey – The Cricket Pavilion, Wimborne

• Highly Commended – Wilton Homes/ Williams Lester – Chantry Farm, Gillingham

Best New Residential House (single)

• Winner – Anders Roberts & Associates – 21 Buccleugh Road, Poole

• Highly Commended – Terence O’Rourke – 29a Western Avenue, Poole

Best New Residential Development (multi unit)

• Winner – Quantum Group – Aspire, Alton Road, Poole

• Highly Commended – Barratt/HGP Architects – Honeycombe Chine, Bournemouth

Best Architectural Practice

• Winner – Morgan Carey Highly Commended – Anders Roberts & Associates

• Highly Commended – David James Architects

Best Estate or Letting Agent

• Winner – Slades Estate Agents, Bransgore

• Highly Commended – Dave Wells Properties, Bournemouth

• Highly Commended – Edwards, Ferndown

• Highly Commended – YOUhome, Bournemouth

Best Overall Winner

• Winner – Quantum Group - Aspire, Parkstone, Poole