PRODUCERS of fine food and drink in Dorset now have a new way of marketing their wares, following the launch of the Dorset Hamper Company.

The company provides customised food gifts for every occasion, taste and budget, using only Dorset-produced goods or goods supplied by Dorset companies.

The company's Diane Lewer calls the hampers "a taste of Dorset delivered straight to your door".

"I had the idea a year ago," she said at the launch at Bournemouth Football Club.

"We then went to Dorchester Show, which went well, and it started from there.

"We would like to capture the corporate market, but we can provide hampers for anyone for any occasion birthdays, Christmas, a new baby, new home or new job.

"And we can send a 'get well soon' hamper to a patient in hospital with blueberry juice, mineral water, wafers and biscuits.

"For wedding anniversaries we can send one with wine, glasses and a picture of Dorset chosen for the month of the anniversary."

She explained that the business, which is based in Ferndown, comprises herself, partner Richard Currie, her son Simon and his girlfriend, Becky Siebert, and deliveries are made throughout the country by NCN Express Parcels.

Products used in the hampers include wines from the Horton Estate Vineyard, olives from Olives Et Al and cakes and biscuits from Lavender Blue both of which have moved to Dorset from Mere, and cheeses including Dorset blue vinney.

Also at the launch was Geraldine Haydon-Soutar, owner of Everblooms of Wimborne, who makes decorations using roses and foliage that stay fresh for about three years.

She explained that the flowers and foliage are preserved with glycerine and need no water or light.

Each arrangement takes about two hours to make.

"They are very easy to maintain and promote well-being," she said.

"I do reception areas for businesses as well as arrangements for the home, and I do mail order as well as through Diane."