A ROMSEY fishmonger has reeled in an award for the impact they have made in the countryside.

ChalkStream, Old Salisbury Lane, were crowned the winners in the Rural Enterprise category at the Countryside Awards Ceremony for enhancing the rural environment and rural economy.

Over 100 guests attended the awards where 15 finalists were presented awards by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson.

ChalkStream are known for supplying rainbow trout which are slow grown in the Test and Itchen rivers for two years.

ChalkStream's founder, Hugo Hardman, said: "I was very excited and it is recognition all of our hard work that we have put into getting ChalkStream back on the map.

"Our business started in 2014 where we would take fish up to London and present them to chefs. Once they tried the fish they realised it was a much more sustainable option and we were even on the BBC's Saturday Kitchen recently, which was fantastic."

The 53-year-old added: "It was the first award we have won and the judges called us game changers, because people are now appreciating the quality of Hampshire trout.

"The event was a fantastic recognition of so many small businesses and it was a really good way of in Hampshire."

ChalkStream also have a policy which aims to reduce packaging by using reusable bins or trays when possible.

The awards ceremony featured The Hampshire's Choice Award where the finalists had the chance to vote between August 12 and September 7. Bishop’s Waltham North Pond Conservation Volunteers scooped the award and received £500 towards their work.

Other winners included The Watercress Way, based in Alton, who took home the Community & Voluntary award, sponsored by Southern Co-op.

The Mayfield Community Partnership, in Farnborough, won the Making Places award, sponsored by Hastoe Group.

The Young People award, which focuses on encouraging youngsters to develop a love of the countryside, was scooped by the Sustainability Centre. The award was sponsored by Forest Holidays.

The Countryside Awards Ceremony are designed to champion innovative, diverse and sustainable work being done to support and enhance a thriving Hampshire countryside.

The event was held at the Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall in Winchester on September 17 and was hosted by Campaign to Protect Rural England.