AWARD-winning chefs presented a six-course-menu at a dinner at Knowle Manor, Timberscombe, marking the countdown to the 2023 Exmoor Food Fest.

Event founder Elke Koessling-Winzer said: "Our guests enjoyed outstanding food and service at this event which saw 10 chefs from across our region create six courses, showcasing our excellent local produce.

“The past few years have been very tough for all of us, but the hospitality industry has been at the brunt of it all.

“The Exmoor Food Fest provides the industry with a much-needed opportunity to attract customers at a time of year which is notoriously difficult.

"Many guests plan their visits to Exmoor around what is on offer in participating restaurants during February.”

The launch dinner involved Werner Hartholt from the Butlin's Chef Academy and his students Ginny Zdanevičiūtė and Jessica Simmons.

Anita-Clare Field from La Petite Bouchée, Witheridge, was supported by Nathan Reardon, runner-up of this year’s Exmoor Young Chef competition.

Miguel Tenreiro, from Porlock Weir Hotel, was in charge of the fish course, followed by Martin Bayliss, of New Coast Kitchen, Croyde, who served up the meat course.

Exmoor Young Chef winner Perran Clark and his mentor Carla Jones, from Seacliff Restaurant at Sandy Cove Hotel, were in charge of a pre-dessert, with Jade Shorney, of West Bagborough's Rising Sun, serving up the dessert.

The Exmoor Food Fest takes place throughout February across the area.

Participating restaurants will offer special deals on their lunch and evening menu as well as tasting dinners and events.

The Exmoor Food Fest first took place in 2015 and has been a firm favourite with participants and the public ever since.