Restaurants to support Seafood Fortnight

Restaurateurs and chefs are being encouraged to come up with a winning campaign to promote Seafood Fortnight.

From September 5 to 21, businesses are being urged to create and promote exciting dishes involving seafood for the chance to win a number of prizes, including a London city break, dinner at a top seafood restaurant and a fishmongering knife skills course.

The challenge, set by Seafish, is to drive up sales of seafood by promoting it to customers. Entries will be judged on campaign style, marketing, promotion, dishes created, use of sustainable ingredients and customer feedback.

Last year`s challenge was won by Hilton Cardiff chef Christopher Gould, whose prize included a trip to Billingsgate Fish Market. He said: "I had a great time, it was a fantastic experience, Billingsgate was a real eye opener. I have returned full of enthusiasm and am now looking forward to the Seafood Fortnight Challenge."

Many businesses around the country have already signed up to support this year`s 2 a Week campaign with a range of promotions. This year`s celebrity chef supporters include Rick Stein, Phil Vickery, Nick Nairn and Brian Turner.

To enter, register on the Seafish website and complete an entry form. All entries must be received by October 30.