IT sounds like something from the fictional world of Willie Wonka - but a mouthwatering, chocolate fountain came to York, as the city's Festival Of Food & Drink continued to attract bumper crowds.

The fountain was demonstrated by staff from the Centre Of Vocational Excellence in Parliament Street yesterday.

Elsewhere in the festival, Guildhall hosted the Moorsfresh Day, in which chefs from around the region gave a series of cookery demonstrations. Richard Williams, from the festival team, said: "The response has been very good. We have had three college groups coming over from Bradford, Craven and Dewsbury, and a lot of praise. It's all going well.

"We've also had a lot of people just popping in from outside as well."

Yesterday saw the final day of the Continental Market, before it is replaced by the Farmers' Market.

Stallholder MJ Niq, of London, has been selling French crepes, and has enjoyed his stay. He said: "It's fantastic. The food is great; the people are great - it's great all round."

In the Covered Festival Market, Margaret Wilson, on the Naturally Nuttily stall, said the wet weather had deterred some customers.

Margaret travelled from Cheshire to take part in the festival and said: "It's going okay, but the weather has been a bit poor and it has been a bit quiet. It's interesting, because you get people on holiday from all over the world, so it's interesting to chat to different people."

The festival continues until Sunday.

Today sees the city's over-50s take centre stage, with a series of special events geared towards them. There were be a number of demonstrations, workshops and crafts, as well as a tutored Chilean wine-tasting, all taking place in Guildhall between 11am and 3pm.

The eagerly-awaited Port And Puddings event also takes place in Guildhall this evening, when a vast array of desserts will be on offer to accompany port. Proceeds will go to the British Red Cross.

For more information on any event, or to buy tickets, visit www.yorkfestivaloffoodanddrink.com or phone 01904 466687.

Puddings tested for Sweet Baby James

CELEBRITY TV chef James Martin fed the masses in York city centre with a series of speciality puddings.

Mr Martin was in Parliament Street to do some filming beside the deliciouslyorkshire marquee, to coincide with the York Festival Of Food & Drink. He prepared a number of desserts and brought them to the marquee for the public to sample.

The Ready, Steady Cook star was filming for his new show Sweet Baby James, which is to be broadcast early next year. Deliciouslyorkshire spokeswoman Jennifer Middleton said: "He's a great supporter of local produce and he has been road testing his pudding recipes."

GAVIN AITCHISON asked people in Parliament Street what they made of the York Festival Of Food.

Ana Dugdale, of Selby, said: "There's certainly an exciting range. It's nice just wandering around."

Nick Plummer, of Cambridge, said: "I expected it to be cheaper - but then I'm a student. I like it though. I like the cider. I am quite tempted."

Lawrence Wagstaff, of Sherburn-in-Elmet, said: "It's something different and it's very good."

Marjorie Wardale, in York from near Worksop for the Motorcaravan Show, said: "There's a good variety of different things and it's all very nice."