There are 120 different events taking place at dozens of venues during July's month-long celebration of the county's food and farming.

Gordon Ramsay has given his support by writing the foreword to the festival programme. He says: 'Do make sure that you take part in the Hampshire Food Festival this year.

'With so much going on, it is a fascinating insight into the range of wonderful food produced, grown and reared across the county.

'As a chef, it is important to me to seek out quality produce, sourced locally and in tune with the seasons wherever possible. We should be proud of our local produce, and make the most of the food and drink that is produced here on our doorstep.'

Special festival events further afield include cookery demonstrations by Ainsley Harriott, a Hampshire gourmet dinner with Prue Leith, and the prestigious annual Hampshire Life Food & Drink Awards dinner.

Hampshire chefs will be giving cookery demonstrations, and producers from our area will be cooking quick and easy recipes at Hampshire Farmers' Market taster days.

As this year's festival celebrates The Year Of Food And Farming, there will be plenty of fun for children to explore farms, meet farm animals, get hands-on and taste local food.

Many events will be free to attend. Full details of The Hampshire Food Festival are at www.hampshirefare.co.uk