DARLINGTON Food and Drink Festival is drawing big crowds over the Bank Holiday weekend.

After rain put a dampener on proceedings on Friday, bright sunshine brought food-lovers out in force on Saturday.

The nation's favourite French chef, multi Michelin Star Award-winner Jean-Christophe Novelli was the main attraction in the demonstration marquee in the town square.

After a walkround, and buying as steak at Mulholland's butchers, he was particularly taken with Darlington's Victorian covered market, saying: "You are so lucky to have this in Darlington - the produce is exceptional."

MORE PICTURES AND COMMENT BY EVENT HOST PETER BARRON

The third day of the festival, dubbeed "Darlo Dines Out", gets underway this morning with a "Battle of the Burger" between the Hole in the Wall and Kerb Edge at 11am.

Mercure Darlington will be staging "The King's Grill Great British Barbecue" at midday.

The Keys will be showing visitors how to make the perfect Sunday roast at 1pm, and there's a "Cocktail-off" between The Keys, Mercure, and Voodoo at 3.30pm.

Stand-up comedy with Hilarity Bites takes place in the demonstration marquee at 5pm, with entry costing £5.

The festival continues on Bank Holiday Monday.