CELEBRITY chef Marco Pierre White dropped into the Black Swan on Saturday morning to see his antique dealer friend John Chapman and ended up staying until midnight.

It meant that people who had booked for the pub's Argentinian Fire Pit Hogget event as part of Devizes Food and Drink Festival were delighted to have Mr Pierre White helping with the cooking.

Mr Chapman, whose wife and sister-in-law run the pub, said: "It was a surprise for them but it was a surprise for us as well. Marco is a good friend and often pops in for coffee.

"But he was fascinated by the fire pit hogget and ended up staying until midnight. It was a great event and we were very pleased to be part of the food and drink festival. We had about 70 people taking part."

The Black Swan was just one of a number of venues throughout the town and surrounding area taking part in the festival.

Chairman Philippa Morgan said: "This year's Devizes Food and Drink Festival proved to be a big hit with most events either sold out or near to selling out. With a full programme from May 16 through until 25, there was plenty of choice for food and drink lovers."

Major hits included the Lock In dinner at Erlestoke Prison where 35 guests were served by a team of staff and four offenders who are working towards the NVQ in catering."

The Sicilian Evening in Swan Yard saw 90 people sample an Italian food buffet with live music which helped to create the continental atmosphere even if the weather was not up to Mediterranean standards.

A Darling Spuds of May literary evening at Devizes Books offered three courses all containing the ubiquitous spud with former Gazette reporter Lewis Cowen performing the readings.