FIRMS that try to guarantee a fishy future have been rewarded by a popular festival.

Bosses at the Pommery Dorset Seafood Festival, which takes place every year in Weymouth, have awarded nine firms with a Sustainability Award. In line with the festival’s mission for a quality and sustainable event, it teamed up with Poole-based catering accessories distributor, Comax UK for the awards.

Dorset Shellfish and Hive Beach Café received a gold award for their efforts to ensure the industry has a sustainable future, and representatives from the firm were given their awards at a special ceremony with Graham Moakes, from Comax UK. The Crab House Café and the Ilchester Arms Hotel got silver; the Jailhouse Cafe and Jurassic Seafood got bronze. Golden Scallops, The Hix Academy and The Gourmet Grilled Cheese Company were highly commended.

Chef Matthew Budden helped judge during the festival and was very impressed at the improvements that many of the stand holders had made. One of the key objectives being the use of local fish and produce, the presentation of their and is to use of bio-degradable food containers.

Graham Moakes, of Comax, said: “It is important that busy food events should be using biodegradable, recyclable food and drink containers."

“Visitors come to eat the local seafood and not only want to support their regional fishermen and fishmongers but expect a cleaner environment too.

“We are delighted to be able to support the event and the awards.”

This year’s festival was a smash-hit with seafood enthusiasts, with more than 50,000 people flocking to Weymouth Harbourside to devour a feast of fishy delights.

For more information visit dorsetseafood.co.uk or follow on Twitter or Facebook