FOOD lovers will be able to sample some of the finest delicacies on offer as the first ever Stockton Food Festival takes over the town.

The revamped High Street will play host to a day top quality food and fun for all the family.

Budding local bakers will have a chance to shine at the festival’s very own cake competition while TV chef Peter Sidwell will be making a welcome Teesside return after wowing the crowds at Saltburn Food Festival last month.

Liz Ramshaw – otherwise known as The Gingerbread Mam - has lovingly brought her grandmother’s traditional recipes back to life at home in Norton and is looking forward to tickling people's taste buds.

She said: “This looks like it’s going to be a fantastic day. I love travelling across the region and being part of so many markets and events, but Stockton is definitely where the heart is.”

TV chef and baking judge Peter Sidwell, author of the popular Simply Good cookbooks, will be cooking up a treat with some top tips for a late summer barbecue, and helping to pick the winners amongst the festival’s budding bakers.

He said: “I love being part of festivals like this – days that really help celebrate the best local food around and help people to get cooking.

“I’ll be coming with an empty stomach and an open mind, so let’s see what we can cook up on the day.”

There is still time for budding local bakers to take part in the festival’s cake competition.

Farmers Market organiser Lorna Jackson said: “We’d love to give the best local baking talent the chance to shine at the festival, so we’d love to hear from anyone who fancies having a go.

“It could be a traditional cake, a cupcake, anything you like really. It could be a design based on a famous Stockton landmark or made using local ingredients.

“And, as Stockton is a Fairtrade borough, it would be great to see cakes made with Fairtrade ingredients. But we’re completely open minded and the choice is yours."

To take part people should call 01642-527385 or email claire.frawley@stockton.gov.uk

Shoppers can also look forward to a live cookery theatre, outdoor dining areas, live music, and the chance to win a festival hamper on the day itself.

The festival takes place on Saturday, September 26 between 10am and 4pm and entry is free.