Festival for foodies brings thousands to Wirral farm; Two-day extravaganza celebrates home produce.

Byline: KATHRYN CARR

FOOD connoisseurs from all over the North West paid a visit to the Wirral Food and Drink Festival.

Around 15,000 hungry visitors flocked to Claremont Far m in Bebington for the first day of the gourmet extravaganza, which was filled with international food stalls, trade stands and live chef 's demonstrations.

The festival, now in its fourth year, unveiled some surprises for 2009, including a new patron, renowned botanist David Bellamy, and a "Food and Far ming" marquee, where visitors could get up close to an assortment of far m animals.

Organiser Andrew Pimbley said: "We've teamed up with the National Far mers' Union to bring along their Food and Far ming Marquee. It's to get kids and adults aware that food does come from animals, we are trying to show that link."

Helen Arthan, who runs Chorlton Lane Farm, brought along some Hebridean sheep and Red Poll cows.

She said: "It's a nice opportunity for people to come into contact with animals, which I think is important. The children just love them!" The two-day event, which celebrates home-grown produce, has attracted famous foodies, from the Great British Menu's Aiden Byrne to Coronation Street's Sean Wilson (Martin Platt) who is expected to showcase his award-winning cheeses today.

Georgina Lamb, of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution - one of the charities supported by the festival - said: "We support farming families who have fallen on hard times.

"We spend around pounds 2m a year supporting farming families throughout England and Wales. With the credit crunch, fundraising has been difficult, so the support from the festival is very much appreciated."

The festival at Claremont Far m continues today.

CAPTION(S):

Chef Emma Wombwell Amy and Luke Hodkinson feeding straw to Yasmin Philip Taylor from the Port of Lancaster Smokehouse Ltd Andrea Hollywood from Born & Bread