A luxury Dartmouth hotel has scooped a prestigious award for the quality of its cuisine.

Dart Marina Hotel & Spa was awarded two AA Rosettes in recognition of its high standards of cuisine.

Mark Streeter, executive head chef of the hotel's River Restaurant, also received a Strawberry icon which illustrates the hotel's commitment to using regional food.

A delighted Mark Godfrey, managing director of Dart Marina Hotel & Spa, said: "The two AA Rosette award is something we have been committed to achieving and we are all thrilled that our determination to reach this high standard has been recognised.

"We have a fantastic team here and our location in the South Hams area of Devon gives us a head start when sourcing fabulous food.

"The Strawberry icon is the AA's way of helping people to find restaurants which source food which is distinctive to the local area and we are proud that our work with local producers has been acknowledged in this way."

The award for two AA Rosettes is presented to restaurants which "demonstrate excellent consistency, greater precision and attention to the choice and quality of ingredients, flavours are well-balanced in all dishes and the menu reflects an enthusiasm and commitment to cooking and serving fine food".

Dart Marina is known for its support of the local South Hams Food and Drink Group and for its work in encouraging young people to enter the hospitality industry.

As well as an undertaking to reduce its impact on the environment through the green tourism scheme, Dart Marina says it chooses to source locally - both for flavour, quality, seasonality and local distinctiveness - but also to reduce food miles.

"I am delighted for the whole team here at Dart Marina. Two AA rosettes is not an easy task but it's one that I have been determined to achieve," said Mr Streeter.

"Food in the South Hams' region is an important sector and the quality of our menus has to be outstanding and consistent to stand out.

"Every day sees a new idea spring to mind and our chefs are constantly coming up with ways to serve local ingredients at the very peak of each season.

"We have all set our caps at three Rosettes!."

The River Restaurant is open every day for dinner and for lunch on Sundays - for bookings call 01803 832580.