SIX Sidmouth businesses have edged ahead of the competition by claming gold for the high standards they achieve. Three of the awards will go to the same businessman, Mark Seward, for Dukes, Hotel Elizabeth and the Kingswood Hotel. Other businesses to achi

SIX Sidmouth businesses have edged ahead of the competition by claming gold for the high standards they achieve. Three of the awards will go to the same businessman, Mark Seward, for Dukes, Hotel Elizabeth and the Kingswood Hotel. Other businesses to achieve the top standard in the East Devon District Council awards, called Edge Ahead, are the Salty Monk, the Victoria Hotel and the Belmont Hotel. Edge Ahead, which stands for East Devon Good Environment And Healthy Eating Award, is managed by EDDC's environmental health team and goes further than food safety. It also includes criteria for safe and responsible drinking, healthy local food choices and environmental impact reduction. Mr Seward said: "We are delighted to be given these awards as it is a reflection of our commitment to the hospitality industry. "It is quite topical at the moment as people are talking about members of the public wanting to know what goes on behind the scenes at this type of business. "We are very keen to make sure we provide a professional service so the awards reflect the systems we have in place." The idea of the awards is to ensure that the places where residents and visitors go to eat and drink are promoting the right standards of sustainability and public behaviour. Councillor Jill Elson, portfolio holder for communities, said: "These new awards reflect the very latest ideas, not just on food hygiene, but a whole package of other factors that today's catering businesses need to take into account. I am pleased and impressed that we now have our first group of winners and that EDDC is promoting the green agenda.