AN organic farm in Lytchett Matravers has been nominated for three national final awards just six months after opening.

Goldy's Farm Shop at Bere farm has made vast strides since opening its doors last spring under proprietor Jenny Goldsacks' ownership.

From more than 140 entries it was selected as a potential winner of the Best Newcomer, Best On-Farm Bakery and Environmental Farm of the Year awards, presented by the National Farmers' Retail and Markets Association.

The farm shop sells the farm's own beef, potatoes and sweetcorn as well as locally produced wine, while the bakery sells a range of homemade breads using organic wheat which is grown, milled and baked on the farm.

Jenny Goldsacks, who has another farm shop in West Holme, has enlisted the services of local farmer Chris Lees and inventor Harry Banham, to maximise their local knowledge and the farm's environmental efficiency.

She said: "The shop is mostly powered by wind turbines and solar panels and we use a unique heat recovery system designed by Harry.

"His E-cube makes the chillers six times more efficient than usual and the water run-off from the condensers is used to water overhanging baskets."

She added: "Our ethos is to provide customers with a real taste of Dorset every day from a local and eco-friendly shop. These award nominations prove we are well on our way to achieving that."

Goldy's is now looking to set up a franchise in the United States.