THE first ever Bolton Food and Drink Festival was officially launched with a special Taste of Bolton' lunch.

The festival, which looks set to become an annual event, is being held as part of the ninth Manchester Food and Drink Festival, which launched on Thursday night.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton Cllr Walter Hall and Sheila Hall, along with organisers and supporters of the festival, enjoyed a special lunch prepared by local trainee chefs.

Students at Bolton Community College's catering department developed the three course meal, held in the college's Grosvenor restaurant, to showcase Bolton's excellent local produce.

Over the next 10 days there are a variety of events and offers at local restaurants and pubs all designed to encourage people to appreciate the diversity and range of local produce, real ales and fine wines.

Launching the festival the mayor described the festival as: "A celebration of all things culinary which I hope will become an established regional event. All the ingredients used in the mene have been sourced locally.

"There are many offers from restaurants on throughout the festival and there is Bolton Beer Festival to enjoy."

He praised the catering department for producing the Taste of Bolton menu and emphasised Bolton's leading role as a supporter of Fairtrade.

Acting vice principal Wilf Cox praised the hard work of the students in cooking and delivering the meal.

Later Margaret Featherstone, curriculum leader for the catering department, was delighted at the turn-out and said:"The students have performed really well considering some of them only started the course on September 4.

"I think the Mayor enjoyed himself and we have enjoyed organising the meal for everyone."

The lunch included representatives from all the participating restaurants, pubs and venues who are contributing and taking part in the festival.

Also attending were councillors, senior council officers, Fairtrade representatives and the chairman of the independent Tourism Forum.

A representative from Marketing Manchester and Bolton Town Centre manager Cathy Savage, were also invited.