Across the district taste buds are being tempted by the special treats on offer to mark British Food Fortnight, which runs until October 3.

Perhaps the biggest event is Abbfest, the food and drink celebration which grew out of a community fundraising project launched by parishioners in Abbotskerswell and now attracts thousands of foodies.

Although the festival still pumps vital cash into community projects, it has also become a showcase for not only the county's finest fare but its crafts and live music, too.

Staged at Fermoy's Garden Centre, Ipplepen, all ages are involved.

Today more than 360 children will sample a range of goodies and learn about healthy eating.

They will have a go at making sausages, squeezing vegetable juice and recycling left overs.

Sarah Dumont, of Fermoy's, said: 'The number of children has almost doubled this year. it's really important to teach them about good food at an early age and the subject features high on the school curriculum.'

For the grown ups the weekend will offer 120 real ales from every brewery in the county, a dozen ciders, cookery demonstrations and a host of live bands.

In Ashburton, students at South Dartmoor Community College have been learning about life in the kitchen from restaurateurs Nick Coiley and Tim Bouget.

Nick owns Agaric in Ashburton and Tim is the chef patron at ode in Shaldon.

Both are award winners and have strong links with the college. Nick gave a masterclass using vegetables from his own plot while Tim shared his recipes for locally caught mackerel.

For the rest of the fortnight students will be getting involved with projects such as the college's new Young Chef Cookery Club and enjoying a mouth watering menu of local healthy produce in their Scoffers canteen.

Meanwhile, visitors to Mole Valley Farmers at Heathfield will tomorrow and next Saturday be offered tastings of some of the region's finest produce as the firm introduces its Taste of the West Range.

At Chagford's Gidleigh Park, celebrity chef Michael Caines is planning to make the celebrations last with a Day of Great Food and Company in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust on November 12.

The chef will play host to actress Juliet Mills and politician Ann Widdecombe, who will be the guest speakers at special lunch and supper events.