CELEBRITY chef Brian Turner will be among the highlights of the first-ever Ryedale Festival of Food and Drink.

The initiative is to be held at Castle Howard, near Malton, on May 29 and 30, to showcase the best produce the region has to offer.

During the festival, visitors will be able to meet local producers, sample and buy from a wide range of Yorkshire food and drink, and watch cookery demonstrations by Mr Turner and other chefs.

The festival is a joint initiative by Ryedale District Council, North Yorkshire County Council, the Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and Humber and Castle Howard.

For more information, contact (01653) 648621 or visit the website at www.castlehoward.co.uk