A Dorset hotel which opened its doors just four months ago has been awarded the prestigious title of Hotel of the Year by the Sunday Times.

The Pig on the Beach in Studland scooped the top spot in the the newspaper's Ultimate 100 British Hotels list, which was published on Sunday.

The 23 bedroom hotel is the fouth and latest addition to the Pig chain, which has restaurants and accommodation in Brockenhurst, Southampton and Somerset.

Steve Bleach, Editor of the Sunday Times Travel section, said: "Believe the hype: The Pig on the Beach is brilliant."

Robin Hutson, Chairman of Home Grown Hotels, The Pigs' holding company said: "This is wonderful recognition for everyone involved in putting this project together and for Hotel Director Lora Strizic and her fantastic young team, we could not be more thrilled. I believe this is one of the very best coastal sites in the UK and we have been overwhelmed by the response to this latest Pig'.

Read our review of The Pig on the Beach here