THORNBURY-based award-winning chef Ronnie Faulkner is set to open this year’s South Gloucestershire’s Food and Drink Festival.

Mr Faulkner, who owns Ronnies Restaurant in the St Mary Centre, will officially open the Taste Festival on Saturday, September 12 at the Thornbury Food Fair.

Ronnies Restaurant was named Restaurant of the Year Award 2009 in June by the Good Food Guide.

Mr Faulkner said: "Opening the festival will be an honour and a privilege. Wherever possible I try to source ingredients for the restaurant from local suppliers and producers, which is in keeping with the ethos of South Gloucestershire Council's festival.

"I am really looking forward to the first event and hope that many more visitors will enjoy the month of planned events."

The South Gloucestershire Food and Drink Festival is in its fifth year and promises to be the biggest and best yet with more than 25 producers showcasing their wares at around 35 events throughout the month-long event.

It takes place between Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, October 11.

For all the latest festival news, events and details of farmers' markets visit the official festival website at www.southgloslocalfood.org