TIME is running out for you to vote in the Brighton and Hove Food and Drink Awards.

The long-established annual awards is a celebration of the food, drink and hospitality industries within the boundaries of Brighton and Hove.

Members of the public have been invited to submit their favourites across 18 categories including Chef of the Year, Best Restaurant, Best International Cuisine and Sustainable Food Business.

Voting closes at midnight on Sunday.

Nick Mosley, festival director, said: “The awards continue go from strength to strength.

“We’ve added new categories this year to reflect the changing dynamics of the city’s food scene including Best Cheap Eat, Best Afternoon Tea and even Best Venue Design.

“We’ve seen a phenomenal response from the public with the online voting this year. And I think it’s fair to say there will be a fair few surprises this year when we announce the finalists next month. It’s definitely getting hot at the top.”

The top three finalists in each category are visited by the panel of judges. The panel will be made up of the festival team, journalists and festival patrons and sponsor. Nominees will also be interviewed and there will be secret shoppers.

Mr Mosley said: “We run with the two-tier judging system as we think that is fairest on all involved. It means we can filter out businesses that may have petitioned votes from friends and family rather than the wider public. It ensure we are confident that the best of the best in the city are rewarded for their efforts and contribution to the food economy.

“As with the wider festival, we’d like to thank our media partners – including The Argus – and sponsors for their generous support of both the food awards and the wider festival. It’s only through their commitment that we can continue to deliver our objectives in promoting and supporting the hospitality and food industries of our region on a local, national and international platform.”

The finalists in each category will be announced in The Argus in September. The award ceremony will be held at Merkaba at My Brighton hotel in November.

To nominates before midnight on Sunday visit brightonfoodfestival.com/foodawards2017.