FOODIES in York were today gearing up for the climax of the city's Festival Of Food & Drink.

The ten-day food extravaganza, which has been hailed by organisers as the best in its nine-year history, finishes tomorrow.

Organiser Michael Hjort, of the York Hospitality Association, said he was looking forward to the close of a successful week.

"We are tired, but upbeat," he said. "It has been a long week, but this last weekend is looking particularly good and there are some great events for people still to go to which is wonderful."

Yesterday, a series of cookery challenges took place in the festival's food theatre in the Guildhall.

Pupils from schools including Joseph Rowntree, Millthorpe and Malton took part in Ready Steady Cook-style contest to create a seafood dish from a list of ingredients.

Then head teachers from schools including Burnholme and Manor CofE School took up the challenge set by pupils to create a fish recipe in an hour.

Mr Hjort said there were still plenty of events - and three city centre markets - for residents who have not yet visited the festival.

He said: "We have an incredibly full marketplace. It really is packed with stalls from one end to the other. We are exceptionally full this weekend in terms of the market.

"It's really, really diverse and we are still busy despite the fact that the weather is not great. There is lots of stuff going on."

Highlights of the final weekend include a demonstration on laying a medieval table, being given by food historian Peter Brears at the Barley Hall at 7pm tonight. Later this evening, Michael Hjort, of Melton's restaurant, and chefs from Rafi's Spice Box will be preparing a range of seafood dishes in A Feast of Fish at the Guildhall at 7.30pm.

Tomorrow, TV wine expert Charles Metcalfe will present a range of German wines at a free tasting tutorial to be held in the Guildhall at 2.30pm.

For more details about the festival or to book tickets, log on to www.yorkfestivaloffoodanddrink.com or phone the information line on 01904 466687.

Updated: 10:48 Saturday, September 24, 2005