THE Tees Valley's first FoodieFest was launched yesterday.

Ray Mallon, Mayor of Middlesbrough, tucked into food cooked by chefs at the Thistle Hotel, in Middlesbrough, yesterday to promote the festival.

More than 30 events are planned from next Friday to Sunday, March 6.

The festival, organised by Tees Valley Tourism, will help promote the Tees Valley and its heritage.

Highlights will include Flavours of the North-East at the Thistle Hotel, Eggs with Everything at Redworth Hall Hotel, near Newton Aycliffe, Indian Ocean Cuisine at the Tall Trees, in Yarm, and a Seafood Safari between five hotels in Hartlepool.

Food-lovers can also enjoy a cooking with beer menu at Pinchinthorpe Hall, near Guisborough, and an eating around Europe menu at the Swallow Hotel, in Stockton.

Other events include Teesside writer Terry Laybourne signing copies fo his book Quest for Taste, at Chadwicks, in Yarm, on Sunday, February 27, a Farmers' Market in Darlington next Saturday, and wine-tasting and dinner at Judges Hotel, in Yarm.

"This will help show just how many fantastic venues there are for cooking and what fantastic food there is right here in the Tees Valley," said Tees Valley Tourism spokesman