CHESHIRE’S top chefs have been given expert advice in preparation for the Vale Royal Food and Garden Festival.

Brian Mellor, named Master Chef of Great Britain, met the group at Nunsmere Hall in Oakmere to give them ideas on how to create a “taste of Cheshire”.

He provided guidance to those who will be demonstrating their culinary skills at the festival, being held on October 18 and 19 at The Hollies Farm Shop at Little Budworth and Nunsmere Hall.

“Cheshire is a foodie’s heaven, with more and more outstanding producers cropping up all the time,” said Brian.

“The food festival will be an exciting and entertaining event with producers from across the region showcasing their delicacies.

“The chefs are all extremely talented and will demonstrate their signature dishes using local produce.”

The festival is an opportunity for visitors to sample produce including pies, pâté, cheese, chocolate and apple juice.

The Hollies director Ed Cowap said: “There are some fantastic regional producers attending and we hope visitors will continue to support local producers.

“It will be a great celebration of what Cheshire has to offer as a leading dairy county and boasting some of the country’s finest independent producers.”