CROWDS flocked to have their tastebuds tantalised during the first day of Worcester Foodie Festival.

Hundreds of visitors perused the variety of delicious food and drink on offer at 70 stalls lining the city's High Street on Friday.

Free food tasting sessions were held outside the Guildhall, while cookery demonstrations also took place during the day.

Steve Knight, who owns Ginger Pig Cage and Bistro in Copenhagen Street, said by 12.30pm he had already served around 50 customers.

He said: "It is going really well. It's to promote local businesses - we use local produce. Everything is home made, it's really good."Alison Chadwick, of Oldfields Cider in Cleobury Mortimer, said: "It's the first year we are doing it. We are a Worcestershire producer and we wanted to introduce our products to people in the city.

"It [the festival] has been busy right from the start, a really nice crowd of shoppers.

"I think it is such a good idea - it is free and anyone can come, it is very inclusive."

Children's activities are also available, while at the Tourist Information Centre youngsters can enter a sweet-themed colouring competition. Sheets needing to be returned by 4pm on Sunday for the chance to win a goodie bag and a bucket and spade.

The festival continues all weekend, running from 10am to 5.30pm on Saturday and from 11am to 4pm on Sunday.