LIONEL Bart would not have been short of inspiration if he had come to Bury to write his musical Oliver!

The town is enjoying its first food and drink festival, and there's a lot more on the menu than just pease pudding and saveloys.

The gastronomic treat, which ties in with the Manchester-wide festival, was launched on Friday at the Automatic bar in Bury. Visitors could try a range of fine dishes, including the winning entry in the design a dessert competition, while also raising money for Bury Hospice.

Various shops and restaurants in the borough have been taking part in the festival, offering everything from Lancashire hotpot to gourmet cheeses and chocolates. Catering students at Bury College let shoppers on Bury Market try their wares yesterday - and tonight, Michelin star-winning chef Nigel Howarth is helping them prepare a menu at the college's in-house restaurant 3Czons.

Also today, the Earth Mother store in Ramsbottom is hosting a natural nutrition day, with free tasting sessions to demonstrate healthier ways of eating.

Chefs at Ramsons in Ramsbottom are serving a seven-course taster Lancashire menu, and the Garsdale is doing a gourmet dinner tomorrow.

The Leyden Brewery at the Lord Raglan Inn, Nangreaves has produced a limited edition festival ale, as part of an oyster and ale festival it is hosting between tomorrow and Sunday.

Finally, Bury-bred celebrity chef Andrew Nutter is hosting a black pudding cook-off on Bury Market on Saturday at 10.30am. Four shortlisted people will compete to win a trip to London for the BBC's Food and Drink show.

Full details: www.foodanddrinkfestival.com