Two of the region's leading chefs are taking to the streets to help shoppers cook up a great Christmas.

Martin Charlton, a chef who has cooked throughout Europe for over 21 years and Richard Sim, a former Young Chef of the Year, are holding cookery demonstrations in an open-air kitchen at Grey's Monument, in Newcastle city centre.

Mr Charlton, who works in the restaurant at St James' Park, said: "Getting out and doing demonstrations like this is completely different to people watching something on the television.

"They get a chance to ask questions and to taste the finished dish."

Mr Sim was named Chef of the Year in the Newcastle and Gateshead Buzz Awards.

He is presently helping develop the restaurant at the refurbished Beamish Hall Hotel in County Durham.

"The menu I will be using will be focusing on the quick and easy Christmas meals that people can use," he said.

"I really enjoy doing these kinds of events because it's always so different and people show they are interested by asking loads of questions."

Demonstrations take place on Friday (DEC 3) and Saturday (DEC 4) at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm.

The event is part of the city's first Winter Festival. The cook-ins will be staged next to European-style Christmas Markets, where shoppers will be able to buy local produce and special festive food.

Today and tomorrow (DEC 1 and 2), the French Market returns to the Grainger Market.

Delights on offer from the French region of Agen, will include freshly baked French breads, pastries, wines, cheeses, olives, jams, assorted meats, garlic and freshly made crepes.

For further details on the festival, visit the website, www.winter-festival-newcastle-gateshead.co.uk