Winning recipe for town's food festival

The event is in its 20th year and chairman Phil Maile said it had started in the best possible way.

He said: "We had an exceptional start yesterday with beautiful warm weather and blue skies. The forecast is for more over the weekend, so we'd encourage people to get along.."

Great British Bake Off winner Edd Kimber was among the stars in action at yesterday's event. And he gave Ludlow Food Festival his seal of approval.

Mr Kimber said: "It's a beautiful event in an amazing location. I've had a blast."

Award-winning chef Jon Gay, from Jimmy's Farm, also featured on the Graeme Kidd Chef Demonstration stage. Mr Gay said: "The demonstrations were great fun and we've really enjoyed it."

Visitors enjoyed food and drink from 180 artisan producers and a series of tastings and workshops.

Shropshire's ITV This Morning star Marcus Bean, from Brompton Cookery School, hosted the Graeme Kidd Stage. He said: "It's been a fantastic start and there's plenty in store over the weekend."

Festival operations director Beth Heath added: "We're thrilled that we've had a record start to the weekend with huge crowds. We're hoping to bring 20,000 people to Ludlow this weekend. There are sausage and ale trails and plenty of entertainment too."

Ludlow's multi-award-winning Michelin-starred chefs, Chris and Judy Bradley, shone the light on emerging talent in the Ludlow Young Chefs competition. It was won by 17-year-old student Lavinia Bromley, who said she was thrilled.

Mr Bradley said: "We're delighted that Mr Underhills is sponsoring the event. We're trying to encourage the next generation of talent to put their best foot forward."