THE first Evening Press Eat Local Banquet was a night to savour.

We had a star guest, Emmerdale's Chris Chittell; brilliant service in a first-class venue, the Dean Court Hotel; and magnificent food and drink by Yorkshire producers.

The banquet was a showcase of the diversity and quality of Yorkshire grub. Every course brought fresh and fantastic flavours. It was gastronomic heaven.

There was a serious message to digest too. If we turn away from industrialised food, which often travels thousands of miles to our plate, we will find a feast on our doorstep. As they say in the North Riding, bon appetit!

Updated: 10:25 Friday, May 16, 2003