TV chef Lisa Faulkner says she is excited to sample the best of Bolton on her first visit to the town.

The 2010 Celebrity Masterchef winner is the star attraction on the second day of the Bolton Food and Drink Festival.

Lisa, whose partner is fellow TV star John Torode, who will be at the festival tomorrow, said: “I have literally seen the Octagon car park, but you seem to have a lovely town hall.

“I am really looking forward to having a look around. I really love Manchester and the surrounding areas.

“I can’t believe I haven’t been here, because I have been to so many other places.

“John had a lovely time when he was here last year, and he told me I should come and do it this year!”

She will be showcasing her skills in the Celeb Chefs Marquee in Victoria Square at 11am, as well as doing demonstrations on the square at 1pm and 3.30pm.

Lisa has a treat in store during this morning’s demonstration, and she will make cherry financiers, and some leek and cheese bread and butter puddings.

She said: “I am doing some cherry financiers, which are just a posh word for small little almond cakes, and I am doing some leek and cheese bread and butter puddings, and a beetroot risotto with goats cheese.

“Everything is actually really easy.”

Lisa, aged 43, is also known for being an actress in shows such as Spooks, Holby City and Brookside, but cooking and baking is now her main focus.

She said: “It is really weird to be doing cooking as my career, but I love it. When I turn down acting jobs for cooking jobs, I realise that that’s where I want to be at the moment.

“I have always cooked, my mum was a brilliant cook and my grandparents cooked, and it was something that I always did when I came home, just to relax.

“Now it’s my job, but it’s the best job I could have.”

Lisa shows off her cooking skills at events around the country, and she says she can’t wait to sample what Bolton has to offer.

She added: “I love that you can go and try out local cheeses, chutneys and jams and pork pies, so I am really looking forward to getting out there and seeing it, and I hope the weather stays alright!”

On Saturday afternoon, Lisa joined food fans in the marquee on Victoria Square for a special afternoon tea. 

The biggest afternoon tea ever held outside London, guests were treated to a cookery demonstration by Lisa followed by delicious sandwiches and cakes from Slattery's in Whitefield. 

She made cherry financiers and mini leek and bacon bread and butter puddings.

She said: "I enjoy making mini things because then you can convince yourself you haven't eaten much when you've actually probably had twice the amount."

She was joined for a Q&A by Omar Farag and Philip Perera, from Phom Tea, who appeared on Dragons' Den, and Great British Bake Off finalist Luis Troyano.

He told the audience about the thorough application process to appear on the BBC show, which included a psychological assessment. 

A limited number of tickets for her demonstrations are still available by visiting the merchandise stall in Victoria Square.