OWNER of Kelly's Deli, Janet Kelly, will be hoping her cheese lives up to expectations when it goes under the spotlight at the Nelson Food Festival.

The deli, in the Admiral Market Place, Nelson, was the first shop to sign up for the festival's Lancashire Cheese Competition on Saturday, September 1.

Organisers of the annual event are calling all cheese sellers in Pendle and beyond to nominate a wedge from their best selection for the competition.

Organiser Isobel Davies says: "We are asking businesses to enter their best selling Lancashire cheese or simply their personal favourite to promote the pride of our county.

"Local people will be asked to help taste and judge the winning cheeses on the day and the winner will get a prestigious trophy and plenty of publicity."

Cheese sellers should contact Isobel by August 15 on (01282) 661 677 to nominate a cheese which can be judged on the day.

Isobel added: "The Food Festival is part of our bid to revitalise Nelson town centre and put Pendle and Lancashire on the food map."

The event is organised by Nelson Town Centre Forum and Pendle Council and is supported by Pendle Partnership to boost local businesses.