The search is on to find the individuals that provide excellent service within a town's food and drink industry.

Bridport Local Food Group has launched the 2018 Front of House Awards, which recognise and appreciate those who work locally within the food and drink industry, whether is be serving in a shop, take-away, café, bar or restaurant.

Kathy Dare, chairman of the Bridport Local Food Group, said: "As an industry it's not just important that you give good service, but it is essential if you want to retain customers. "Recognising and rewarding individuals who are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the products they serve and make the customer feel welcomed on a regular basis is exactly why this award is given. "So, if you have received excellent service from any of the food and drink establishments in and around Bridport, please do nominate the individual for the Bridport Front of House Awards 2018, kindly sponsored by Baboo Gelato."

The winners will be the person who receives the most votes in each of the following categories:

  • Restaurant
  • Public House
  • Cafe
  • Take-Away
  • Food or Drink Retail

Winners will receive a cash prize of £50 and a plaque to be on display in the establishment's premises.

A team award will also be given to the establishment that receives the most staff nominations within each category.

Last year saw team awards presented to Longs Fish & Chips in the takeaway category, Citrus Grove Café in the café category, Beach and Barnicott in the restaurant category, The Ropemakers in the public house category, and Frampton's Butchers in the fruit and drink retail category.

Nomination cards are available from the Bridport Tourist Information Centre as well as from local food and drink venues.

A collection box for collected cards is located in the tourist information centre.

Nominations can also be made via the new page on the Bridport Local Food Group website, bridportfoodfestival.co.uk

The closing time for nominations is midnight on Wednesday, October 31.

The awards will be presented at the Bridport Local Food Group's AGM, which will be held at Bridport Town Hall on Tuesday, November 13 from 6.30pm.