WHISKED off his feet by the success of the Evening Press campaign to promote outstanding Yorkshire fare, Emmerdale star Chris Chittell joined food lovers from all over the region to celebrate at the Eat Local Banquet.

The Evening Press - Dean Court Hotel event, a luscious-eight course feast provided by some of the region's top independent suppliers, took place in the shadow of York Minster last night. Chris, who plays the soap's villain Eric Pollard, said: "I am very proud to be involved in this campaign.

"The message of it is very simple, very clear, and makes perfect sense.

"We have the producers here, the suppliers, and the customers. There is no easier way than to 'Eat Local'.

"This should be the start of a real awareness of local food."

Updated: 11:13 Friday, May 16, 2003