A LANDMARK in the Evening Press Eat Local campaign will be on the menu tonight as food lovers from across North and East Yorkshire prepare to tuck into a feast showcasing some of the region's finest produce.

Our showcase of the very best of local food will finally take shape at the Evening Press-Dean Court Eat Local Banquet.

The exclusive event at the hotel in the shadow of the Minster will draw together eight courses of the very best the region has to offer in an evening not to be missed.

And who better to be the guest of honour than a star of Yorkshire's own rural soap as Chris Chittell - Emmerdale arch-villain Eric Pollard - turning hero to champion terrific local produce.

Chris said: "This is a great opportunity to support a hard-hit area of the community and also celebrate what we do so well."

Dean Court Hotel manager David Brooks said: "This event is a great showcase for local producers, it is a very unusual event which has sparked real interest from our staff, from the producers, and from customers, and I am sure it will be a real night to remember."

Updated: 10:59 Thursday, May 15, 2003