EXHIBITORS will be serving up examples of the best of British food and hospitality at a trade show on March 6 and 7.

The annual Hotel and Catering Show is being held at the Bournemouth International Centre with more than 150 stands.

It will feature displays of latest products and services available in the industry. The show, now in its 51st year, attracts local and national suppliers with over 87 per cent of visitors having direct purchasing authority.

Event director Anna Wallis said: "The event is designed to put local chefs and caterers in contact with regional suppliers and manufacturers and to showcase the wealth of great produce.

"There's a good reason why the show has been in existence for 51 years as it is considered to be one of the key networking events of the year for the hospitality industry in the south."

A key feature for the 2007 show includes the return of the Wessex Salon Culinaire with live and display competitions for senior chefs, junior chefs and contract caterers. Celebrity chefs will also be showing off their talents in the demonstration theatre.

The Hospitality South Conference will be held alongside the show on March 6. In addition, the Local Food and Drink Pavilion will showcase small, organic and regional products from organisations including award-winning Goldy's Farm Shop based in Purbeck, Pampered Pigs from the Bere Valley, The Cranborne Estate, and Barford Ice Cream from Wimborne's Kingston Lacy estate.

The Tourism Business Area will be in the foyer, offering an opportunity for hotel operators to liase with South West Tourism on subjects such as plans and developments for the region.

Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association and Dorset and New Forest Tourism Partnership will also be exhibiting in this area.

Visit www.hotel-expo.co.uk or call 01425 485040.