BBC weatherman Paul Hudson opened the seventh York Festival of Food and Drink today. And in culinary terms, the local outlook is rosy.

Judging by another impressive festival programme, over the next ten days we can expect regular outbreaks of satisfied smiles as diners polish off myriad gastronomic treats. And look out for showers of praise on the chefs and producers.

This year, the festival is very much rooted in the community. As with our recent Eat Local campaign, it is a wonderful opportunity to trumpet the resurgence in home-grown grub. Visitors will discover there is more to Yorkshire food than the pudding.

Updated: 10:48 Friday, September 12, 2003