IT was clearly food fit for a prince.

The Duke of York strengthened his links with God's Own County, by stopping off to chat to exhibitors at the Deliciouslyorkshire stand at this week's London trade show IFE05

Deliciouslyorkshire, the brand identity for fantastic food and drink from Yorkshire is bringing together the region's finest produce at the event, the UK's largest food retail trade show at London's ExCeL.

Backed by Yorkshire Forward and the Regional Food Group for Yorkshire & Humber, Deliciouslyorkshire has taken a major stand, to enable 21 small or medium-sized companies to join forces and exhibit together.

Prince Andrew made a beeline for the stand and its display of both traditional and innovative products.

What had caught his eye included Yorvale Real Dairy Ice Cream, based at Acaster Malbis; craft bakers Botham's of Whitby; and Melmerby-based Bare Earth, which uses Yorkshire beef to create biltong, the traditional South African delicacy. The exhibitors said the Duke was very supportive and showed a keen interest in regional food. He was particularly interested in the growing market for local, high-quality produce.

He wasn't the only VIP to visit. The Yorkshire companies also shared their views with Sir Don Curry, chairman of the Implementation Group looking into the government's sustainable food and farming strategy, set to publish its recommendations later this year.

Updated: 09:39 Friday, March 18, 2005