ONE of Colchester's best known delicacies has been given a global seal of approval.

The native oyster will join the Slow Food roster and be presented with a prestigious award on September 3, at the Anglian Slow Food Festival.

Slow Food is an international organisation connecting more than 150 countries and aims to link the pleasure of food with a commitment to the community and environment.

The beloved seafood now joins the Slow Food 'Presidia' as a unique food and will be protected by the international food community.

Don Quinn, event organiser and author of The Joy of Oysters, said: "This tells the world Colchester's oysters are worth preserving and fighting for and we have the best, so we must make sure we keep them.

"Praise really should go to the Mersea oyster fishermen who have fished responsibly during seasonal times, which is between September to April, as it's because of them the oysters are still there.

"This award puts Colchester's oysters in a powerful position."

The Presidia sustain food and species production at risk of extinction, protects unique regions and ecosystems, and safeguards native breeds.

Shane Holland, UK chairman of Slow Food, Ugo Pazzi, president of Slow Food's Marche region, in Italy, and Dermott Sales, leader of Slow Food Anglia will present the award.

It is the second consecutive year Colchester has hosted the Anglian Slow Food Festival, which takes place from Saturday, August 3 until Sunday 4, at Lower Castle Park.

Mr Quinn added: "We're extremely proud they've chosen Colchester and part of that is the hard work done to get the oyster recognised, but also Colchester is a lovely town and we have a beautiful park to hold it in.

"Slow Food will have stalls at the event, as well as regional food and drink producers, but one of the highlights is an international celebrity kitchen demonstrating wonderful and creative meals all day.

"This year we have special performances of the Walrus and the Carpenter featuring a giant oyster, but also the homegrown theatre group Colchester Curiosities will perform to a food theme for all ages."

The festival is supported by Food and Drink Festivals UK and also Colchester Council. Entry costs £2 and children under-14 are free.

For more information, visit slowfoodanglia.blogspot.co.uk.