A GIN distillery in Dorchester has been honoured for going above and beyond to support the local community during the coronavirus pandemic.

Fordington Gin has been handed a Community Spirit Award for its efforts supporting the local Rotary Club with food bank deliveries and delivering prescriptions for Age UK.

West Dorset MP Chris Loder visited the site to help present the award.

Set up by the UK Spirits Alliance (UKSA), a coalition of spirits producers from across the UK, the Awards recognise distilleries like Fordington who have gone above and beyond to help their communities during the crisis.

Ros Nelmes, Fordington Gin founder, said: “We are thrilled to receive this award and were delighted to have our local MP Chris Loder present us with it. 

“We’re humbled that the industry has recognised our work supporting key workers and organisations during the pandemic.”

A spokesperson for the UK Spirits Alliance said: “Distilleries across the UK like Fordington Gin have been supporting their local communities throughout the pandemic, and the Community Spirit Awards is a great way to recognise that.”

Mr Loder added: “Fordington Gin represents the very best of West Dorset. Not only are they a brilliant local producer, and one I was proud to mention in my maiden speech earlier this year, but their team has demonstrated what real community spirit means, by stepping up during the pandemic and helping those in need. I’m delighted to present them with this award.”