A CHEF, dubbed the Godfather of Italian cuisine, has hailed the progress a North Yorkshire food festival has made.

Antonio Carluccio, who had previously described Malton as Yorkshire's Food Capital, said in recent years the town had grown into its role as the premier food destination for the North, as he visited the Game and Seafood Festival.

He said while the town had gone from one which produced a few products to being the home of several of the most exciting food and drink brands in the region, such as such as Groovy Moo Gelato, Roost

Coffee and ButterBees of Malton - Britain’s first butter parlour.

He said: “It is really wonderful to see the way Malton has blossomed with its commitment to good quality

food and drink."

On a visit to the Made in Malton producers in Talbot Yard Food Court, he added: “Local food is the best and what is made here in Malton is a celebration of Yorkshire food at its best. The trick will be to keep the quality high and I am sure Malton will do it.”

The Malton Game & Seafood Festival saw thousands of visitors sampling food and drink at more than 60 of stalls and watch demonstrations by chefs, including Mr Carluccio.

Festival director Tom Naylor-Leyland hailed the festival a great success and added, “I am hopeful that success will breed success and we will attract even more foodie visitors and businesses to town in the coming years.”