Chef's praise for county food

French celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli has praised the quality of the county's livestock and produce at this year's show – and revealed he has a soft spot for Shropshire Blue cheese.

He informed and entertained fans with three live cookery demonstrations a day in the cookery theatre tent at the Berwick Road showground.

Mr Novelli said he had only ever cooked using local produce and cited the quality of the product as the key to its success.

"It is the quality of the produce which makes the chef," he said. "I use organic produce all of the time and as much as I can. This is a very special area for growing your own and I have been looking at all the animals, the cows and the lambs, and they all look very healthy. The look of the animal is always the first sign of knowing what you're dealing with.

"I'm hoping to use some Shropshire Blue cheese and vegetables. Some of the best food is produced in Shropshire and I'm very excited to be here.

"I'm looking forward to taking some great produce from the county back home to use in my kitchen."

The Michelin Star-winning chef added it was a "delight" for him to be able to pass on his love of cooking.

He is currently pioneering a new high street contemporary eating concept with celebrity entrepreneur Dean Dunham and will spend the next few weeks training for the London Triathlon in August.

The man dubbed "the nation's favourite French chef" began his career aged 14 as a baker in his home town of Arras, Northern France.