Loved compering the Darlington Food and Drink Festival over the past few days.

What a fantastic event for Darlington. Exactly what the town centre needs. Great to see so many people enjoying themselves in the sunshine - and it was all free!

Honoured to work with chef Jean-Christophe Novelli who sung the praises of Darlington's Victorian Covered Market.

"Do you realise how lucky you are to have that and the quality of the produce it sells?" he asked his audience.

Maybe it takes an outsider to come in and make us appreciate what we have under our own noses.

Also lovely to meet BBC Fusion Chef Aazam Ahmad, who was also a big hit with the crowds.

Congratulations to KerbEdge for winning the Battle of the Burgers and Voodoo for winning the Cocktail Challenge.

And a huge well done to Market Asset Management, who have taken over the running of Darlington Market Darlington Markets from the council, for making the festival happen.

There's no doubt now that there's an appetite to build on its success.

The four-day festival continues today (Monday) and, as you can see from the video, even the police couldn't help getting into the feelgood spirit.