ONE of Britain's leading actors, a TV chef and a popular author are among the celebrity guests to attend a celebration of Yorkshire's culinary traditions over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend.

Robert Hardy, revered for his role in television's All Creatures Great and Small, chef Clarissa Dickson Wright, and writer Gervase Phinn will all be visiting the Dales Festival of Food and Drink from Saturday, May 4.

However, central to the three-day event will be a 180ft marquee in Leyburn market place, a base for dozens of stands selling food and drink from 50 local farms and firms - but all emphasising the importance of farming to the local community.

In both Leyburn and neighbouring Middleham, workshops on the mysteries of making cheese and chocolate, demonstrations of traditional arts and crafts, a vintage fairground and a real ale trail are among the other attractions.

An evening programme of live entertainment is also planned under the banner of the Festival Fringe.

More details on the events and local accommodation are available from the Leyburn Tourist Information Office on (01969) 623069.