YOUNG chefs cooked up a treat for VIP guests, as the York Festival Of Food And Drink got underway in style.

The ten-day culinary extravaganza started yesterday, with a series of events across the city.

Topping the bill was the Primary Do event at Guildhall, where 12 pupils from Westfield Primary School prepared and served a two-course lunch for guests, including the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Janet Hopton.

Parents and teachers were also among the diners, as the youngsters demonstrated the skills they have learned.

Debbie Waite, of the festival team, showed the children how to lay tables and serve the guests, while Kirk Vincent, of Henshelwood's Delicatessen, in Newgate, York, taught them to cook.

Mr Vincent said: "The children have been brilliant - they are just so enthusiastic. I have been working with them this week. I went to the school on Tuesday and we did a dry run, and they have been fantastic."

Coun Hopton also praised the children's enthusiasm, and said: "It's quite remarkable to get them so beautifully organised.

"Guildhall lends itself to this - one always did have big feasts here."

She said: "Apparently, the festival looks like it will be very successful again this year. It's an attractive festival, as I think everyone's interested in food and drink, and it's bringing a lot of people in."

Elsewhere in the festival, traders from near and far gathered in Parliament Street for a series of outdoor markets. Visitors and traders turned out in force despite the heavy rain during the afternoon.

Loic Dieudonne travelled from Normandy to sell cheese as part of the Continental Market.

He said: "It's going very well. It's very good. It's a lovely ambience in the market. I have come over for the Continental Market before, and York is a good city with excellent ambience - it's a good holiday."

Brian Rusling was also in the market, selling honey by his Scarborough-based firm, Beez Neez Apiary.

Mr Rusling said: "It's going very well. There are a lot of people about, and everyone seems happy."

The festival runs until October 1.

Tomorrow is Kids Day, where children are encouraged to play with their food. There will be a carousel of workshops for children in Guildhall.

Festival director Michael Hjort said: "You're never too young to learn about food and at the York festival we like to provide something for everybody."