THE mayor of Bournemouth was left simmering after finding himself in a hot spot in Bournemouth Square yesterday.

But it was all for a good cause.

For Cllr Phil Stanley-Watts was taking part in the first live cookery demonstration at the Echo-backed Bournemouth Food and Drink Festival.

Chef Des Burke of Flavours School of Cookery showed the town mayor how to cook lobster thermidore from scratch using fresh local ingredients.

“I love seafood but I’ve never had the confidence to cook lobster before but I would definitely give it a go now,” he said afterwards.

Next up in the festival’s demo kitchen were catering students Jordan Wilkins, 15 and George Butler, 15, from Winton Arts and Media College College.

Under the watchful eye of catering teacher Alex Kelly and a live audience, Jordan showed how to make a stuffed crust pizza while George prepared summer fruits roulade.

“I think this shows how schools have really changed when it comes to teaching our young people to cook,” said Ms Kelly.

Tobias Ellwood who was amongst the spectators said: “These sort of events really help to distinguish Bourne-mouth from other seaside resorts and show that there is more than just sea and sand.”

Organiser Patrick Marmion added: “The first two food demonstrations went really well in spite of the weather and footfall is picking up.”

Some 60,000 people are expected to attend the Festival which runs until July 1, culminating in a three-day food and drink market in the Square and the Triangle.

Visit bournemouthfoodand|drink.co.uk