CELEBRITY chef Andrew Nutter urged East Lancashire folk to keep the taste of local food alive by passing on traditional recipes to the next generation.

And he backed innovations aimed at keeping the old favourites popular -- such as organic Lancashire hotpot!

Andrew, who runs Nutter's Restaurant, in Edenfield, is a firm believer in using local suppliers and products and is no stranger to the 20 plus contributors who attended the Fifth Lancashire Food Festival at Accrington Town Hall.

After officially opening the event -- which brought together many old favourites along with some new additions and more modern cuisine -- he said: "The important thing now is that the recipes for these fantastic products are passed onto the next generation and keep being handed down so that traditional Lancashire food will be enjoyed now and for years to come.

"A number of the products here have been adapted from traditional recipes but still have their roots in the county which is very important."

One newcomer to the event was Eddie Cowpe, who founded Huntley's of Samlesbury, and is about to launch a new range of savoury dairy ice-creams -- including mustard and curry flavour.

Among the more traditional flavours for sample at the festival were vanilla, mint-choc-chip and strawberry but next year's arrangement may look entirely different.

Mr Cowpe said: "We already make around 100 flavours and are always willing to try something new if the demand is there and it certainly seems to be with the savoury versions.

"If people suggest something we will give it a go."

But for visitors who preferred their curry hot there was also the choice of two tasty Tandooris to spice up the day with Mitali Tandoori, of Accrington, and Balta Stan Indian Cuisine, of Clayton-le-Moors, which displayed some of Lancashire's more modern culinary delights.

Also new to the event was an organic version of the traditional Lancashire hot pot and some award winning virtually fat free sausages from Joe's Sausages of Skelmersdale. These sin free bangers include all the traditional flavours of leek, Cumberland and traditional pork but carry the official support of Slimming World and Weightwatchers so no one need feel guilty having a second helping.

And for the more adventurous meat eaters there was a variety of ostrich products including burgers, steaks, pies and pates.

Regular displays of Lancashire fare on offer included black puddings, hand made chocolates, Lancashire cheese and award winning meat pies from Dale's Butchers.