A FOOD festival is set to bring some high-class nibbles to East Lancashire.

The Accrington Food and Drink Festival, on June 2, will feature the best the world has to offer, as well as some favourites from across the region.

But one dish that has been specially produced for the occasion will get people talking - Accrington caviar.

Accrington and Rossendale College Students have taken a scientific approach to the signature dish for this year’s 21st festival.

The students, George Parkinson, 16, Tommy Edmundson, 16, and Mica McKno, 18, are all Level 2 professional cookery students, have created two choices, a fruity caviar and a Benedictine caviar, which can be served alongside homemade custard.

The Benedictine is a nod to the Accrington Pals, it was their favourite tipple according to reports.

Benedictine sales in East Lancashire were so high they contributed to most sales worldwide during world war II, and this has continued to this day.

The brightly coloured caviar pearls have been a great hit with members of staff from Duckworth’s Estate Agents, one of the sponsors of the food festival, who took part in a tasting at the College.

Lin Slater, from Duckworth’s Estate Agents said: “They taste like Benedictine sweets, I’m so surprised. They explode a little in your mouth too, its brilliant.

“The students have done a brilliant job, the dish has completely exceeded my expectations.

“The custard is lovely too, I am really impressed.

“I can imagine this will be a huge hit on the day.”

Accrington Food Festival takes place in Accrington town centre from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, June 2.

Celebrity chef Richard Fox will once again be doing a live demonstration of cooking on Broadway alongside 50 other food and drink stalls.

Find full details, including a downloadable brochure with the festival itinerary, at accringtonfoodfestival.co.uk or on social media.