A PACKED food theatre gave TV personality Richard Whiteley a warm reception at the opening day of the York Festival of Food & Drink.

The Countdown presenter was being given a back-to-basics cooking lesson by Grace Mulligan, star of TV's long-running Farmhouse Kitchen programme.

More than 100 people watched the pair cook up a late brunch, which included a recipe for monkfish with mussels and bacon, saffron rice and a lemon sauce.

Richard, who was visiting the festival for the first time, said he was hoping to hone his limited cooking skills. He said: "I am pretty good at chops and steak - anything that you put in the Aga and leave."

Grace said: "He was a lovely student. To be a good cook you have to like your food, and Richard does."

Visitors today can see number of shows including a presentation by Jason Moore, of the Durham Ox at Crayke, and a presentation by Magdalena Chavez, of Grape Lane's El Piano, who will offer a sneak preview of her new book.

For tickets and times, visit the festival website by following the link from our website or call 01904 554430 for a brochure or 0113 384 3808 to book tickets.

Updated: 09:58 Saturday, September 14, 2002