Crowds flocked to the Market Place to sample some of Northumberland's finest cuisine from meat and fish to muffins and cakes in the first day of food festival weekend.

Visitor Peter Gotts from Ponteland said: "I think the festival is very good. It gets you trying different foods that you wouldn't usually try."

Such has been the success of the day that three stalls, including Northumbrian Muffins, sold out of stock after three hours.

Food fans have also been treated to demonstrations by chefs, including Richard Sim, executive chef at The Alnwick Garden, and Martin Hutton, while there was a chocolate presentation for those with a sweet tooth.

Martin Hutton said: "I am really pleased to be here, it's fabulous. The festival has evolved year on year and this year it's bigger and better.

"People call this God's county and it's called that for a reason. The festival shows all of the wonderful produce that Northumberland has to offer."

Celebrity Ready Steady Cook also proved a hit at The Playhouse with Richard Sim and Martin Charlton cooking for GMTV agony aunt Denise Robertson and Durham cricket star Mitchell Claydon.

Money raised by the festival is going towards the Bubble Foundation and Denise, who is president of the foundation, said: "It is absolutely wonderful that the Lions have picked the Bubble Foundation as this years' charity. We are so grateful."

Laura Cross, from Duchess's High School, Alnwick, was crowned the Young Chef of the Year, overcoming the challenge of Stephen Bewick, from Coquet High School, Alnwick.

The festival continues tomorrow with displays in Northumberland Hall and Town Hall and stalls selling local produce. It begins at 10am.