THIS country pub is the paw-fect place to take your four legged friend after being named as Dorset’s most dog friendly pub.

The Grove Arms in Shaftesbury scooped the accolade at the Dorset Tourism Awards held at Bovington Tank Museum. It is the first time this category has been included.

All of the finalists were nominated by members of the public over the summer before being judged by some of the county’s most discerning canines and their owners.

The Milton Arms in Winterbourne Whitechurch received a silver award for its hound hospitality.

Nina Bartlett landlord of The Grove Arms in Ludwell and owner of pub dog Buddy the labrador said: “Thank you to all our voters, locals and their furry friends who are very special customers to us all at The Grove.”

The pub will now be put forward as a finalist in the South West Tourism Awards held at Exeter cathedral in February which selects the winners from the regional finals

The Grove will go up against pubs across Devon, Cornwall and Bristol, Bath and Somerset.

Robin Barker, organiser of the Tourism Awards added: “We’ve been amazed by how popular the new dog friendly award has been. It seems that the dog friendliness of a pub is more important to us than ever before.

“With the help of Forthglade supporting the award, we’ve been are able to recognise and reward Nina and the team at The Grove for all the work they’re doing to make the dogs of Dorset feel truly welcome.”

Gerard Lovell, joint MD of Forthglade, agreed: "By going above and beyond to provide clear dog friendly signage, fresh water, dog snacks at the bar and inclusive dog friendly space indoors and outsides, it enables residents and visitors alike to spend more time with our beloved pets.”

* For more information about the Dog Friendly Pub Awards, see forthglade.com/campaigns/dogfriendly