CBEEBIES star Katy Ashworth entertained hundreds of children in the first celebrity session at this year’s Bolton Food and Drink Festival.

The presenter of ‘I Can Cook’ sold out three shows in the children’s marquee, based in Le Mans Crescent at the back of the Town Hall for the duration of the festival.

Ms Ashworth visited Bolton for the first time to perform the shows, and was swamped by young fans clamouring for her signature and to have their photo taken with her.

Speaking before the first show the presenter said she had a lot of fun in store for the families.

The 28-year-old added: “There’s going to be a lot of singing and dancing, and we’re going to play a few games and get the dads on stage too.

“I just hope the children come and are ready to have a good time.”

The mum-of-one said she started cooking with her mum when she was very young, and wanted to show that there was no age limit for people to start making their favourite dishes.

Ms Ashworth, who lives in Manchester, said: “I’m not a chef myself but I do love cooking, and it’s about encouraging kids to eat healthy.

“Cooking is a very accessible thing, and it’s something that everyone can have a go at and it can bring people and families together.”

The family zone in Le Mans Crescent will be open every day from 10am, and activities include a giant children’s sandpit and garden games including snakes and ladders and Connect4.

Crompton Place Shopping Centre will also be a hub for family-friendly activities, including a Groovy Puppet Show at 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm today (SAT) and a Just A Minute gameshow at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

On Sunday a Stuffets Puppets show will take place at 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm and Larry’s Magic Show takes place at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm, while free cake and biscuit decorating will be held all day Monday.

For more information on all the event, visit boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com.