THE organisers of this year's Tavistock Food Festival have announced that it will be opened by the mayor of Tavistock, Cllr David Whitcomb, who will be accompanied by his friend and fellow councillor Sue Bailey.

The festival will open on Saturday and Sunday, September 11 and 12, at 10am, closing Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at 3pm.

Chairman Jeffrey Stackhouse said: 'We are delighted that we have effectively filled our allocation of exhibitor stands, so our visitors will have a fabulous selection of local and regional made products to sample and purchase.

Mr Stackhouse said all visitors were invited to bring a favourite recipe to the festival, which would be reviewed for a charity recipe book, sold to generate charity funds for Devon Air Aambulance and St Luke's Hospice. The book should be ready for sale next year.

Mr Stackhouse added: 'The festival is to be held in the grounds of the Bedford Hotel and visitors will be able to enjoy a classic Devon cream tea within yards of the Abbey ruins where the cream tea was first "invented" by the monks.'

Further details are available at the Festival website http://www.TavistockFoodFestival.co.uk">www.TavistockFoodFestival.co.uk