HUNDREDS of people ate, drank and were merry at the Evening Press Food and Wine Exhibition.

Visitors flocked to Temple Hall, at St John's College, to sample offerings from the cream of York's restaurants, food stores and suppliers.

The event included a variety of cookery demonstrations and wine and food tastings.

The first 50 visitors through the doors received a goodie bag containing oven gloves, food storage boxes - and delicious chocolates.

Events manager Wendy Neale said: "It was absolutely brilliant. The atmosphere was fantastic with lots of wine flowing."

Updated: 11:36 Monday, May 19, 2003