The hard work of front of house staff in and around the town were praised and recognised at a special awards ceremony.

Bridport Local Food Group held its AGM and annual Front of House Awards on Tuesday.

Customers and shoppers were asked to nominate those who went above and beyond in local cafes, restaurants, take-aways, pubs and bars, food and drink retail and market stalls and kiosks.

The winners were announced by Arthur Watson, former owner of the Riverside Restaurant in West Bay, and presented by Annie Hanbury of Baboo Gelato.

In the café category, Kellie Court from Tangerine Café and Gallery was the winner, followed by Suzanne Bosi of Gelateria Beppino and the team award went to Green Yard Café.

Ellie Llewellyn from Beach and Barnicott came first in the pub/bar category, Lucy Davies of The Ropemakers was runner up and the winning team was The Ropemakers.

In the restaurant category, Geraldine Le Moing of The Bull Hotel was the winner, with The Bull also taking the team award, and Teri Cree from Pickled Ginger was the runner up.

Richard Balson of R J Balson & Son was the winner in the retail category, as well as the team award, with Lydia Wilson of Waste Not Want Not being the runner up.

In the take-away category, Charlotte King of Refresh was the winner and Longs fish and chips was the team winner.

Lally Owens of Haypenny was the winner in the market stall/kiosk category, with Spice and Rice taking the team award.

The Bridport Local Food Group committee, which organises the annual food festival, reported a good year for the event.

Peter Garlick, treasurer for the Bridport Local Food Group, said: “This year the actual state of the accounts is about £1,000 up from last year, that’s due to a raffle that was organised by one of our members.

“Sponsorship this year is nearly £2,500. We do appreciate our sponsors and those who have supported us since the beginning. That does help us keep the gates low, because that’s our aim, were not here to make a profit, we want to encourage as many as we can to come through the gates, we’ve certainly been lucky the past few years and this year was no different.

“We had two last minute cancellations this year, otherwise it could have been a record figure.”

Kathy Dare, chairman of Bridport Local Food Group, reported a good year, with 16 venues taking part in the taste trail leading up to the food festival and more than 60 food and drink producers at the main event.

She said: “We did have a very good year and it’s thanks to the committee, the volunteers, our sponsors, the town council - especially Daryl Chambers and his team - the TIC and of course our fantastic food and drink businesses and the community as a whole.

“Next year, the festival takes place from June 14 to 20 and we are starting to plan now, and we welcome any thoughts and ideas that you have.

“We want to make it different, we want to make it for the community and we want you to enjoy it.”