FOOD lovers are being invited to take part in the first masterclass sessions to be held at Bishop Auckland Food Festival.

The sessions, which can teach participants everything from mixing the perfect cocktail to crafting handmade chocolates, will be held in Auckland Castle and Bishop Auckland Town Hall.

There will also be pizza-making masterclasses run by Earth & Fire and expert tutor Michael Oswald, will also be showing participants how to make their own artisan bread.

Expert chocolatiers Wendy and David Sanderson from Truly Tempting Chocolate will also be running two masterclasses to show people how to make a chocolate-covered marshmallow caterpillar, truffles and caramel-filled chocolates.

Durham Gin’s masterclasses will also be teaching adults about gin flavours, how to make the perfect G&T and the secret to cocktail-making while chef Richard Fox has joined forces with Black Paw Brewery for a beer tasting masterclass.

Deliciouslyyorkshire market will also offer everything from freshly baked breads, cheeses and Yorkshire ice cream while there will be more than 150 stalls overall.

The markets will be open from 9.30am to 5pm on Saturday, April 18 and from10am to 4pm on Sunday, April 19.

Masterlclass places should be booked in advance by calling 03000-262626 or emailing visitor@thisisdurham.com

Sessions last between 45 minutes and an hour and cost £4 for materials.

For more information visit bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk, facebook.com/bishfoodfest or search on Twitter @BishFoodFest