IF YOU love local food then make a note in your diary for June 21 and 22.

That's because the very first North West Food Lovers Festival went down such a storm in 2002, that organisers North West Fine Foods have once again booked the Westmorland County Show site at Crooklands for the two-day culinary extravaganza.

Visitors will be spoiled for choice thanks to an abundance of food from throughout the region. There will also be a hog roast, cheese-making demonstrations, beer tent featuring the best Cumbrian brews, and personal appearances by such food luminaries as Nigel Haworth, chef-patron of the Michelin-starred Northcote Manor in Lancashire. Farmers' market favourite Brian Mellor will also be sharing his expertise.

And do check out supermarket chain Booths, which will have a presence at the festival too, giving away samples of the produce you are likely to find in its North West stores.

Food & Drink will be keeping you posted as the food festival draws near. In the meantime, you can check out the website at http://www.foodloversfestival.com for details of all the exhibitors.

April 10, 2003 11:00