A FOOD festival got under way yesterday with the promise of ten days of indulgence in all things tasty.

The ninth annual York Festival of Food and Drink was launched with a variety of events across the city.

They included stalls selling local produce and the chance to try some of the school meals served up by North Yorkshire County Caterers.

At the city's Guildhall, young cooks competed to see who could come up with the best two-course meal and local chefs were also demonstrating their skills.

There was wine-tasting and an ale trail and last night Kevin Gratton, of the Le Caprice restaurant in London, demonstrated fish dishes.

The festival continues until September 25 and organisers are promising they have something for everyone.

Today, events include historical cookery demonstrations in Barley Hall, interactive demonstrations in the Guildhall, a pork pie festival in the Tap and Spile pub, and chocolate tasting in the Mansion House.

Among the many activities later next week, chefs from railway operator GNER will be battling it out for the Chef of the Year Award and the Yorkshire Forward Cookery Bus will be visiting the city.

On Wednesday, puddings and port will be the order of the day at the Mansion House, at an event in aid of the British Red Cross.

For details about all the activities visit www.yorkfestivaloffoodanddrink. com or call (01904) 466687.