TELEVISION weatherman Paul Hudson took a break from the studio to try his skills making sausages to help launch a festival of food and drink.

Mr Hudson was helping to launch then ten-day festival in York, a celebration of some of the best food the region can offer, with home-grown produce taking centre stage.

He also joined the launch of A Local Produce Guide 2003 on behalf of the North York Moors National Park.

The booklet contains details of products from 150 producers in the North York Moors and Howardian Hills, which supply a range of food, drink and crafts.

The chief executive of the North York Moors National Park Authority, Andy Wilson, said: "By sourcing products locally, we reduce food miles and support local producers, thereby helping to keep the countryside diverse and alive.

"The continent is renowned for its locally distinctive regional products, and this is an attempt to celebrate the products that define this part of North Yorkshire."

The festival runs until Sunday and full event listings can be found at www.yorkfestivaloffoodanddrink.com. Tickets to all festival events are on sale at the Food Theatre, in St Sampson's Square, and the tourist information centre.