Sea harvest service celebrates fishing industry
PA MediaThe fruits of the sea and the work of the fishing industry have been celebrated in a cathedral service.
Organisers of the National Harvest of the Sea service at Exeter Cathedral said it was the first time fishermen and women had been commemorated in this way.
The event on Sunday at 18:00 BST was organised by groups including Love British Food and Seafish, the UK's public body for the seafood industry. Funds were raised for The Fishermen's Mission, a charity which supports the fishing community.
Love British Food chief executive Alexia Robinson said it was "only fitting that we now also celebrate the harvest of our seas" and the fishers who provide "sustainable, nutritious seafood".
Organisers of the inaugural sea harvest service said they hoped the event would become an annual tradition like the Westminster Harvest Festival.
Members of the fishing community in Devon and Cornwall were among those at the service.
PA MediaAdrian Bartlett, one of the event organisers and director of the Plymouth Fishing and Seafood Association, said: "Despite fishing being one of Britain's oldest industries, we have never had a national harvest celebration dedicated to those who bring in the harvest from our seas.
"National Harvest of the Sea aims to change that. It's about recognising the people behind every catch, from the crews at sea to the families and businesses ashore who keep our coastal communities alive."
The Bishop of Exeter preached at the service which was given the support of Queen Camilla.
Helen Lovell-Smith from The Fishermen's Mission, said the service was "a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the skill, courage and commitment of the men and women who bring seafood to our tables every day".
"This service is about giving thanks, remembering those who have gone before us, supporting those who continue to fish today, and recognising the families and coastal communities who stand beside them," she added.
