One of the highlight's of East Lancashire's culinary calendar is set to kick off with a series of events to prime the palate.

Promoters of Clitheroe Food Festival are launching the Taste Fest portion of their proceedings from today, Monday.

The food festival's now-traditional precursor is designed to showcase some of the Ribble Valley's prominent producers and venues.

Cllr David Birtwhistle, chair of Ribble Valley Council’s economic development committee, said: “The coming week promises to deliver the ultimate celebration of local produce and drink set among some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain.

"The Taste Fest is a showcase of the best of the Ribble Valley and a chance to sample some of the most outstanding food and drink in the country.

"That’s down to the support of local businesses and all the hard work they put in throughout the whole year."

Artisan Ribble Valley will be showcasing a Lancashire menu, from black pudding fritters to beef and Garstang cheese pie, daily, while Gisburn's La Laconda are challenging foodies with a 'guess the ingredients' gathering.

Meanwhile tomorrow, Tuesday, The Emporium in Clitheroe hosts a kids pizza workshop and on Wednesday and Thursday Bowland and Bay are promising a culinary tour of the valley.

The Lovely Cow Shed in Thornley has put together a 'farm to fork feast and walk' the same day and Craig Bancroft will be hosting a lunch at Northcote in Langho.

Those with an eye for a tipple might opt for a 'tour and taste' at the Pendle Witch Distillery in Waddington on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.

Eight at Gazegill has lined up a 'hedgerow safari' on Thursday while the Assheton Arms at Downham will celebrate food 'off the eaten track', a guided walk and leisurely lunch.

The Friday is rounded off by a Lancashire cheese and wine night at the Bowland Food Hall.

The main food festival itself is on Saturday.