PLANS for this year's Dales Festival of Food and Drink are well in hand, say organisers.

The event, first held in 2002, takes place over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, in Leyburn, Wensleydale.

Gerald Hodgson, spokesman for the organising committee, said the festival looked like being bigger and better than ever.

He said: "The Dales Festival of Food and Drink remains firmly focused on the food and drink of its region.

"But is at the same time a fun day out for the family with vintage fairground attractions, entertaining talks and demonstrations."

The centrepiece of the festival is the food hall with 80 stalls selling Yorkshire produce including meats, fish, vegetables, baked produce, preserves and cheeses.

For the first time, this year's event will include a beer festival featuring ale from four of the region's breweries.

There will also be demonstrations by local chefs, a farming display showing how food is grown and produced in the Dales and a learning zone for children.

The festival will also include a silver service restaurant run by Darlington College, with assistance from Wensleydale School pupils.