FISHY things are happening in Lyme Regis this summer.

No, it’s not a murder mystery to rival Broadchurch.

Two popular seafood celebrations are back by popular demand.

The Crab Festival will be held from June 7 to 9 and Mackerel Week will be from July 4 to 11.

Preparation is starting now and fish fiends are asked to send in what could be winning recipes for a special competition.

Crab and mackerel lovers are being encouraged to show off their favourite dishes using seasonal British ingredients.

They have until May 23 to submit recipes and the winners will be announced during the celebrations.

The headline event of Mackerel Week will be a panel discussion on sustainable fishing with chefs Mitch Tonks and Mark Hix on July 4.

It will be followed by a Mackerel Feast and an auction in the Marine Theatre.

"We owe it to our local fishermen to educate and promote some of the great things that come from our coastal waters.

“Last year was a great example, when we held our crab feast serving different types of whole crab on the tables with pebbles and buckets for the shells. Out of 100 people only 30 per cent had ever tackled a whole crab in the shell,” said Mr Hix.

Festival organiser Jo Harris said: "We have had so much interest for this year’s festival with tickets almost sold out for the crab feast and lots of local businesses getting on board with our crab specials throughout the town during the week.

“We are joining together to celebrate the produce which is abundant on our doorstep and raising money for local charities at the same time.

“This year is set to be bigger and better than last year.

“I am particularly looking forward to the cook off in the shelters, to see how many dishes Mark and his chef can cook again this year.”

The closing date for recipe submissions is May 23.

They should be emailed to crabcomp@lymeregisfestivals.org or mackerelcomp@lymeregisfestivals.org. Tickets for the feasts are available from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre.