Shoppers and civic dignitaries gathered at Clitheroe Castle Gate to celebrate the launch of the Ribble Valley Food Trail, featuring 36 restaurants, inns, shops and delicatessans showcasing the best of what the area has to offer.

Those who attended tasted an array of delicacies including cocktails by Weezo's Modern European Restaurant, of Clitheroe, handmade chocolates by CocoMoyo, of Backridge Farm, Waddington, canapes and tiramisu by La Locanda Restaurant, of Gisburn, artisan bread from Cheesie Tchaikovsky, of Clitheroe and "Ribble Valley Sizzler Sausages" by Cowman's Famous Sausage Shop, of Clitheroe.

A special cake was baked by Tina's Corner Bakery, of Longridge, while Clitheroe band the Swing Commanders performed songs with a food theme.

A post-launch reception was hosted at Weezo's featuring dishes made entirely from local produce by chef-patron Stosie Madi.

The trail, part of the area's recovery from the 2001 foot and mouth epidemic, is the brainchild of Ribble Valley Borough Council. An independent panel of food and tourism experts and writers from the Ribble Valley compiled the trail, which allows visitors to create their own route.

Ribble Valley Mayor Coun. John Hill said: "The food trail is a combination of a lot of hard work and I think it's a tribute to partnership working in the Ribble Valley with all our producers demonstrating the excellent food available in the Ribble Valley."

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