Last month saw the first International Mushy Pea Day which was launched by Harbour Lights in Falmouth.

As part of their celebration of being voted the Best Independent Fish and Chip shop in the UK, Harbour Lights wanted to do something a little different for the industry. Fish and chips are so fondly thought of by the British population and press that Pete Fraser felt that it was about time the humble yet mushy pea got some limelight of its own.

The idea was picked up quickly by the trade and by fish and chip shops and restaurants throughout the UK and from eight countries internationally from Hong Kong, New Zealand and Canada. The concept was to celebrate the best side dish in history and treat the mushy pea fans with pea promos, new menu ideas and to try and convert the not so sure.

As part of the tongue-in-cheek campaign a selection of pea pods outfits were seen around Harbour Lights and the country as shop owners and pea manufactures and suppliers embraced the fun.

Harbour Lights kicked off the celebrations with the first International Mushy Pea Day being officially opened by the mayor Grenville Chappel who said: "I think this is a fun and ambitious campaign and I enjoy watching many of the Falmouth businesses punching above their weight on a national scale."

Tom Rubensson, general manager, added: "Whether you are a fan of the mushy pea or not it is amusing to see how divisive it is. Not many people sit on the fence on this subject. There are pea fans and others that would rather keep the fish and chips pea free or would opt for a curry sauce instead."

Harbour Lights offered peas for free to the restaurant and takeaway customers with a donation going to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust of what the pea takings would have been which totalled £413.65.