BOLTON has the best food festival in the world, according to celebrity chef James Martin who revealed how much he loved the town on national television.

James, a firm favourite at Bolton Food and Drink Festival, will be back in Bolton this August to meet fans and cook up some tasty dishes.

This year he will be joined by the Hairy Bikers and other well known cooks and chefs.

He gave a special shout out to the festival during his popular Saturday Morning show.

It was when he was taking question from a member of the public, identified as Susan from Bolton.

And as soon as he heard she was from Bolton, James starting talking about his love for our wonderful town and its famous food festival before answering her foodie question.

 He said: "Now, Bolton - I love Bolton.

"It's got the best food festival in the world.

"If you've never been, you'll see it's spectacular. 500,000 people turn up for the food festival in Bolton.

"It's incredible, absolutely incredible. It takes over the whole place and it's absolutely amazing."

The Bolton Food and Drink Festival is now in its 17th year, and as usual, will take place over four days during the August Bank Holiday Weekend.

Every year, hundreds of food and drink traders, musicians, street entertainers to put on a whole host of family fun and food-themed activities.