IT was perhaps inevitable that the flavour of a festival to celebrate Wensleydale's culinary traditions would have a distinctly cheesy tang.

And, if you mention the dale's most famous product, then there can only be one celebrity duo worthy of promoting it.

Animation favourites Wallace and Gromit made their way to the Black Swan pub in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, yesterday for a meal which included a slab of Wallace's favourite food - made by the Wensleydale Creamery, in Hawes.

But, once the Dales Festival of Food and Drink gets under way on Saturday, the duo will have to share the limelight.

Other guests expected over the three days of the bank holiday weekend include actor Robert Hardy, author Gervase Phinn and larger-than-life celebrity chef Clarissa Dickson Wright who made her name as one half of TV's Two Fat Ladies.

About 50 local companies are taking part in the event, many exhibiting in a 180ft marquee in Leyburn's market square, where there will be live performances in the evenings.

Local craftsmen will also be demonstrating their skills.

A real ale trail will link Leyburn and nearby Middleham. The two towns will be connected by a shuttle bus to transport connoisseurs to the pub of their choice.

There will also be another opportunity to enjoy the alternative sheep that were displayed at Masham Sheep Fair last September, when the region was still in the grip of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Other attractions include vintage fairground attractions, a tea shop trail and demonstrations of medieval cookery.

Further information on the programme and details of accommodation in the area are available from Leyburn Tourist Information Centre, on (01969) 623069.