WE ARE making absolutely no comment about the fact that the Best Manchester Tart competition was launched by feisty Corrie barmaid Shelley, alias actress Sally Lindsey!

To be fair, Sally was only boosting the Manchester Food and Drink Festival. And she is seen here sampling a few of the city's famous tarts with Festival director Phil Jones.

The competition is open to cookery professionals and the general public alike as part of the Festival which runs from October 4 to 15.

"Manchester Tart was once a national institution in schools and homes throughout the country," explains Phil Jones.

"We hope that the competition will help restore this culinary treasure to all its former glory."

Greggs, the bakers, will use the winning recipe to make Manchester Tarts for their 165 bakeries throughout the region.

The winner will also attend the Festival Gala Awards Dinner on October 15. All proceeds from the event are donated to charity.

Entry forms can be obtained with the official Festival brochure by ringing 0161-443-0100.