Celebrity chef Jean Christophe Novelli star attraction at Stafford Cheese and Ale Festival - in pictures

The 56-year-old French chef took part in a 'Ready, Steady, Cook' style contest and demonstrated the culinary skills which have seen him become a household name.

Jean Christophe was picked by the audience as the winner of the 30-minute cooking challenge – beating off competition from fellow chef Matt Davies.

The pair each picked a team-mate to help them, with Davies choosing a lucky audience member and Jean Christophe helped by a man he described as a 'legend', chef John Peart.

The French culinary star picked cheese and cider for one of his dishes from stalls in Market Square and praised the quality of the local produce on offer.

Jean Christophe told the Express & Star: "I've really enjoyed it – especially meeting John [Peart] and working with Matt [Davies].

"Stafford is a wonderful town and it's great to come down and be part of all the socialising – the drinks, the food. It's fantastic.

"All the stalls are superb, it's a shame I didn't have more time to look around ­– I could've been there all day.

"I think the reason I won the challenge is I worked with a legend and used some of the local produce."

He added: "It was a pleasure to come here.

"I'd like to say thank you for the local produce, the good cheese, the good drinks and the music as well."

Davies, the chairman of the British Culinary Federation, said: "Jean Christophe is someone I've always looked up to from the start of my career.

"I met him about 20 years ago and it was great to cook alongside him.

"He is a legend and it's been a pleasure – and great to have such an amazing turnout."

Visitors to the town also praised the event, which ran on Friday and Saturday.

Administrator Phil Hulbert, 27, from Darlaston, said: "It's the first time I've been here and it's great – there's lots of cheese and lots of beer, so you can't grumble.

"I spent some time watching the cooking as well and that was great – they certainly know what they're doing."

Stafford resident Mark Macmichael, 51, an accountant said: "I've been really impressed.

"It's a lot bigger than I was expecting and we've had a good look around.

"We've eaten a lot of cheese – what more do you want?"

Scott Brockhurst, 26, and his fiancée Kelly McGann – who both teach at Tillington Manor Primary School – managed to grab a selfie with Jean Christophe after the cooking challenge.

Scott said: "There's been a great atmosphere and it's fantastic to see how many people have come out.

"There's a real sense of community spirit and everyone seems to have had a great time."

Kelly added: "It's lovely to see people come out and come together."