TV CHEF Simon Rimmer was the main attraction during a busy weekend at the Southport Food and Drink Festival.

More than 10,000 people a day were expected to visit the four-day festival, which organisers hailed as the biggest and best yet.

Crowds flocked to see what local suppliers, bars, restaurants and shops had to offer and sampled quality food and drink along the way.

Dave Rimmer, chairman of the Southport Restaurateurs Association, said: “Each year the festival has grown and this year we really stepped it up a gear and went all out.

“There was so much for people to see and sample and it was a great opportunity for businesses to showcase what they have to offer.

“The main criteria of the Southport Restaurateurs Association is to promote and use locally-sourced product and that was echoed at the festival.”

Wallasey-born Simon Rimmer appeared at the festival on Friday, giving audiences a taste of his signature dishes.

On Saturday, Michelin- starred chef Aiden Byrne, from Kirkby, shared dining secrets from his Cheshire restaurant The Church Green.

Yesterday’s Family Day saw food-inspired activities to keep youngsters happy, while celebrity chef Andrew Nutter showed how to use leftovers to cook a meal.