SOME of Britain's most talked-about young chefs will take part in an annual event.

York's ten-day Festival of Food and Drink will start on September 16 and is expected to attract thousands of people to the city.

Yorkshire restauranteur Anthony Flinn is expected to demonstrate his innovative style during the event.

He will be joined by Andrew Pern, from the Star Inn at Harome, near Helmsley, and Harvey Nichols head chef Richard Allen for demonstrations and tastings. This year, the Guildhall and Mansion House will be the festival headquarters and will house the food theatre.

A covered market that includes many opportunities to taste and buy food will be extended into St Sampson's Square.

A spokesman said: "We want to reinforce and extend both the scope and the depth of ways in which the festival is about local and regional food. More than 150,000 people visited last year, and it is not unreasonable to expect the event to attract even more people in September."

The festival will be launched with a champagne reception at York Minster followed by a gourmet dinner on September 15.

Food markets, featuring farmer's goods, regional produce and Women's Institute stalls, will be opened in Parliament Street the following day.

Family entertainment will include feasts, meal deals, ale trails and street food, such as paella pans.