CHEFS from some the county's top restaurants will give free demonstrations of their creative skills at a local food festival.

The Dales Festival of Food and Drink has announced an impressive line-up of professionals who will give a public cooking lesson every day.

Margaret Knight, a co-founder of the festival, which will be held for the 14th time in May, said: “Since the festival began in 2002, local chefs have given their time to demonstrate their skills, producing wonderful food in minutes.

“Some of them pick up their ingredients from our food hall, and work out what to cook as they go along. All offer helpful hints on how to choose produce and get the best results, and will answer questions as they cook."

This year’s chefs include Stephen Bulmer, from Swinton Park and Craig Keenan, of the Wensleydale Heifer.

Mr Bulmer said: "I really enjoy demonstrating at the festival. It comes at a great time of year to showcase ingredients reared, home-grown and foraged on the Swinton Estate."

Putting in an appearance for the first time is BBC Masterchef finalist Tom Morrell, from the Saddle Room in Coverdale, along with Paul Salonga and Rupert Ormston, of the Burgoyne Hotel in Reeth.

The Dales Festival of Food and Drink takes place at Leyburn from Saturday, May 2 until Monday May 4.

Visit www.dalesfestivaloffood.org for details.