SEVEN new start-ups, all from Christchurch and Poole, are to be showcased at this weekend's Christchurch Food Festival which starts this weekend.

A first for this year's festival is a 'New Business Sector' which will include Chilli & Co, Drop The Anchor, Gingernut Goodies, Ministry of Fudge, Princess Macarons, Meringue-a-Tans and Snappea Burgers from Plantlife.

Ally of Plantlife Foods said: "It is such a great thing to have us all together like this. When you're just starting out it's great to get chances like this to stand out and be recognised for all the work that gets put in to making a dream come true."

Local foodies have put together a hamper for a free prize draw which includes goodies from Jimmy's Iced Coffee and Conker Spirit.

Ally added: "We hope that we will see lots of people coming to try our wares and see what we have been up to. Come and find us in Church Street up by the Priory."