YEADON resident and former BBC1 Great British Bake Off contestant Sandy Docherty has signed up to take part in Bradford’s first Food and Drink Festival.

The event, which is being organised by Bradford Council’s markets team, takes place on October 30 and 31 and will set up at the city’s Independent Quarter in Northgate and Rawson Road between the Oastler Shopping Centre and North Parade.

Sandy, who leads a popular after-school cookery club for pupils at Titus Salt School in Baildon where she works, made it through to the fourth round of the 2015 BBC Great British Bake Off.

She will join internationally-renowned chef Gennaro Contaldo and Coronation Street actor turned award–winning cheese maker Sean Wilson, alongside other chefs and local restaurants giving demonstrations at the festival.

Bradford Council’s market promotions and marketing officer, Diana Greenwood, said: "We were delighted when Sandy said 'yes' to taking part in the Bradford Food and Drink Festival.

"She is an inspiration to the pupils at the after-school cookery club, and I’m sure people will enjoy the enthusiasm she brings to baking and cooking.”

Sandy said: "Anyone can bake and cook – all it takes is enthusiasm.

"I believe people who want to cook should. They should experiment and try ideas. Start by using a recipe, and once that recipe has been mastered, 'own it' by changing and altering the original. There is nothing more rewarding than the feedback you get from people who enjoy your food, especially when it’s an original!

"Error will happen, but this is the only way we learn. Take that mistake, rearrange it and try again – not a bad concept for life, really. If I can do it, anybody can. Let’s get creative!”

Already confirmed are street food traders featuring gourmet burgers, locally-made pork pies and homemade mushy peas, spicy chicken and veggie wraps with homemade salsa and slaw, German hot dogs and Greek-style wraps. This will complement the existing food offering from the surrounding Oastler Shopping Centre, such as Roswitha's Deli and Thai Fever noodle bar, as well as North Parade venues The Sparrow and Al's Dime Bar.

Food at the event will have a local feel, with stalls selling produce ranging from savoury treats such as pork pies, cheeses and biscuits for cheese, cooking sauces for meat, fish and pasta, to sweet items such as locally-made cakes, cupcakes, brownies and cookies, handmade chocolates and traditional fudge and sweets.

There will also be local craft ales, ciders and spirits to take away, as well as a range of bars serving local brews and stalls serving fresh coffee and doughnuts.

There will be street performers and live music to keep the festival vibe going.

Organisers are still on the look out for more stalls and would like to hear from anyone interested in adding to the festival, in particular local business that might want to get involved with the city's up-and-coming Independent Quarter.