KNUTSFORD has been dubbed the gourmet capital of Cheshire, but few would know it. For the town renowned for its wide choice of restaurants does little to promote it.

"Knutsford is known as a gourmet paradise," said Belle Epoque chef David Mooney. "But what do we do about it? Nothing."

Nantwich, on the other hand, is a town better known for its love of cheese than fine dining.

But its impressive - and expanding - food festival is helping to change its image.

At the weekend almost 30,000 people visited the town for its three-day gourmet event sampling speciality menus and drinks in town bars, cafes and restaurants.

"Nantwich is fast becoming the culinary capital of the UK," said organiser Phil Riding.

The festival is only in its fourth year but is already one of the biggest in the UK, attracting celebrity chefs such as Kevin Woodford and Ross Burden and selling more than 2,000 regionally produced gourmet foods.

It has evolved from a local food fair into a celebration of all that is good about regional produce.

Last year more than £1 million was generated for local businesses and many of the visitors keep coming back for more.

"The festival has been extremely beneficial to the economy of Nantwich and we are delighted with the comments and feedback from local producers who are eagerly awaiting next year," said Clr Penny Butterill.

On Sunday Mr Mooney, 42, cooked Arley wild boar sausages and Gressingham duck for visitors to the Nantwich festival.

He said he was so impressed with the quality of the event that he has already agreed to take part next year. But yesterday (Tuesday) he said Knutsford should do more to promote its love of fine food.

"Knutsford is the gastro capital of Cheshire," he said. "If Nantwich can hold a food festival then there is no reason why we can't. "I cannot think of a reason why it couldn't happen here."

Mr Mooney, who also cooks at the Duke of Portland in Lach Dennis, said the Heath would be the perfect focal point for a food festival with stalls and cookery demonstrations.

He said Canute Place, where years ago the town hosted a weekly market, could be transformed into a farmers' market. "It could bring a huge amount of money and business to the town," he said.

Butcher John Oliver said Canute Place could be closed during the event and stalls erected for local businesses.

He said such an event could help to entice Knutsford residents back to their town centre to shop.

"It could work to Knutsford's benefit," he said. "It could help bring residents back into the town who have shopped elsewhere."Next month almost 10,000 visitors are expected to visit Tatton Park for the three-day North West Food Lovers Festival.

But few are expected to venture into Knutsford town centre, instead bypassing the town's restaurants, shops, pubs and bars.

Yesterday officials from Made in Cheshire, which promotes local produce, said they would be happy to help promote a food festival in Knutsford. "Knutsford would be a very good place for it with all its restaurants," said project manager Jane Casson.

"It has quite a thriving farmers' market and we are always keen to encourage people to eat local produce." Hosting a food festival in Knutsford could not only entice thousands to the town, but also help to develop contacts for businesses.

Mr Mooney said he had secured two new suppliers during his brief appearance in Nantwich.

"It could be just what Knutsford needs," he said.

Yesterday Roger Freeman, who runs Cranford Caf with wife Sally, said they already visited a number of specialist food fairs throughout the year in Birmingham and Manchester.

"I don't see why it couldn't work in Knutsford," he said. "I would definitely support it."

Booths supermarket also backed the idea.

"This sounds like a great idea," said a spokesman. "Anything that encourages local people to appreciate local food mirrors Booths' philosophy."