AWARD winning chefs are to take part in what is believed to be Hebden's first ever food and drink festival.

The free one day, family orientated event will take place at the Clarendon Hotel on Saturday, October 1.

Organised by French chef and owner of the hotel, Lionel Strub, and his partner, Kirsty Richardson, it will feature chef and founder of Yorkshire Food Finder, Sue Nelson, and Luc Dazugan, of Le Bistro Des Amis, in Skipton.

Both chefs will be carrying out live cookery demonstrations in a marquee outside the hotel.

Lionel said it would be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the produce of the Yorkshire Dales.

"We are really excited about our new menu, the majority of our produce is not just sourced within Yorkshire, but within five miles of the pub, and there are not many places that can offer that."

The festival will feature stalls run by Slingsby and Whittaker's Gin, The Flip Side Crepes, live music, children's entertainment, a fun dog show and a chilli eating competition.

There will also be the chance to meet local writers, Michelle Scowcoft and Victoria Benn, who recently published a book on Kilnsey Show - Studs and Crooks.

Kirsty, who is now running the hotel with Lionel after 18 years in nursing, will launch her French food outlet, Tres Bon Raymond, at the festival. It will run from midday until 6pm and is due to be opened by BBC news presenter Charlotte Leeming, whose husband, Justin, designed the artwork for Kirsty's street food van.