A celebration of food kicks off in Swaffham next week with the launch of a cook book full of recipes from youngsters from across Breckland.

A celebration of food kicks off in Swaffham next week with the launch of a cook book full of recipes from youngsters from across Breckland.

Following on from its huge success two years ago Swaffham Food Week 2009 will celebrate all things gastronomic between September 23 and 29.

From tasty treats and foreign cuisine to staying healthy and getting your five a day, all aspect of eating well will be covered during the event.

For those lacking inspiration, youngsters have spent months compiling a book on how to cook and grow your own food.

Featuring recipes, a guide to picking and eating wild food, a garden year planner and lots of other tips and tricks including what to do with your leftovers and how to plan meals, the book will be launched on the opening day of the festival.

The highlight of the week will be the town's Gastronomic Food Festival which takes place at Campinglands on Sunday, September 27.

Ten different migrant communities will be barbecuing dishes from their country of origin and the British Army will also be there offering a taster of what soldiers eat while on tour.

Throughout the week Swaffham Library will be have a special display of food and cookery books to inspire budding cooks and there will also be a food related exhibition at the Assembly Rooms.

Visitors will have the chance to test their body mass index (BMI), blood sugar levels and pick up tips on how to ensure you eat your five portions of fruit and veg a day.

Breckland Council will also be dishing out advice on how to cut down on food waste with their 'Love Food Hate Waste' campaign.

For more information call the Iceni Partnership on 01760 722800 or pick up a free guide to the event in this weeks Watton and Swaffham Times.