The challenge has been set - the chefs are poised and ready for Falmouth Oyster Festival's own version of Ready Steady Cook.

The challenge will take place on Friday evening October 19 at 7.30pm in the festival marquee on Events Square.

Well known local chef Arty Williams of The Cove Restaurant at Maenporth will go head to head with Nick Hodges, of The Lusty Glaze Restaurant in Newquay.

Two competitors to assist the chefs will be selected through a competition open to all, being run in the October edition of Inside Cornwall magazine.

The foodie challenge will take the well-known format of a mystery bag of ingredients being transformed by each chef into culinary delights in front of an appreciative audience, who will then vote for the best chef using 'red port' and 'green starboard' voting cards - keeping with the maritime theme of the event.

Contestants will select their mystery ingredients from the Taste of The West food producers in the food hall at the festival, and will then peel, chop and generally assist the two chefs in their quest for the inaugural tile of 'Falmouth's Own Ready, Steady Cook' Champion!

"This event is new to the festival this year - there will be no entrance charge for what is set to be a highly entertaining evening. Festival goers will be able to extend their visit to the event and continue to enjoy oysters and a selection of dishes from the festivals on-site caterer, Harvey's Wharf, in the festival marquee. Skinners ale and Walter Hicks wines will also be available throughout the evening," said Sian Robbins, Carrick' s Events and Publicity Officer "There will be a fantastic atmosphere and no doubt the cookery challenge will become a favourite in the festival programme for future years."

The evening will be hosted by Emma Lloyd, BBC Radio Cornwall presenter of the afternoon show and appropriately local food champion.

Live music from local band 'The Shirts', who have a huge local following, will continue to entertain the crowds until 10.30pm. There will be free cookery entertainment and free music all evening - to make sure of your place arrive early, the festival will be open throughout from 10am to 10.30pm on Friday October 19.