A crab and lobster-themed seafood trail around Sheringham saw nearly 20 cafés, pubs and restaurants tempt shoppers' taste buds with speciality dishes created in their kitchens from fresh, local ingredients.

North Norfolk News: Sheringham mayor Madeleine Ashcroft with food trail winnersPhoto: KAREN BETHELLSheringham mayor Madeleine Ashcroft with food trail winnersPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Diners were asked to rate meals for taste, presentation and originality to be in with a chance of winning a main course for two, with the eateries gaining the most votes presented with certificates by Sheringham Carnival Association.

Overall winner was Station Road café The Kitchen, whose chef, Andy Clitheroe, cooked up a crab and prawn tart with a breadcrumb, parsley and parmesan topping with sweet chilli sauce.

North Norfolk News: Sheringham mayor Madeleine Ashcroft presenting a framed certificate to Whelk Coppers chef Jessica Frere-Smith, who created a potted crab dish flavoured with spring onion, chilli and cayenne pepper as part of the town's crab and lobster-themed food trail Photo: KAREN BETHELLSheringham mayor Madeleine Ashcroft presenting a framed certificate to Whelk Coppers chef Jessica Frere-Smith, who created a potted crab dish flavoured with spring onion, chilli and cayenne pepper as part of the town's crab and lobster-themed food trail Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

The prize for taste went to seafront tea rooms the Whelk Coppers for chef Jessica Frere-Smith's potted crab flavoured with spring onion, chilli and cayenne pepper, with the award for originality going to Vijay Bhattarai of The Bank, in Church Street, and the presentation category won by Jackie Overton of High Street seafood bar Joyful West's.

Carnival spokesman Chris Neville said: 'It was incredibly close and the final decisions highlighted both the high standards and the creativity of Sheringham's chefs.'

North Norfolk News: Sheringham mayor Madeleine Ashcroft presenting the award for originality to Bank restaurant chef Bijay Bhattarai, who cooked up a crab curry flavoured with ginger, garlic and Nepalese herbs. Photo: KAREN BETHELLSheringham mayor Madeleine Ashcroft presenting the award for originality to Bank restaurant chef Bijay Bhattarai, who cooked up a crab curry flavoured with ginger, garlic and Nepalese herbs. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Sheringham mayor Madeleine Ashcroft, who handed out framed certificates to the winners, said: 'I was really pleased to see such innovative dishes and I think it is wonderful that we have so many talented people cooking such fantastic food for our residents and visitors.'