CHARLIE Bigham will launch his first-ever cookbook, ‘Supper with Charlie Bigham’, at this year's Wells Food Festival.

Charlie will be the headline sponsor of the festival, which takes place on Sunday, October 13. His book will be published on Thursday, September 12.

Attendees will be able to purchase a hardback copy of the book and have it signed by Charlie, just weeks after it lands on the shelves.

The proceeds from the sales will be donated to the Chefs in Schools organisation, helping schools to completely transform standards of school food and food education.

Charlie said: “Over the years a lot of Charlie Bigham’s customers have suggested I write a cookbook – it’s finally happened and has turned out to be a lot of fun.

“I’ve included all my favourite recipes from home that have been refined over the years and have got the thumbs up from family and friends alike. Delighted to be able to share this with my local community.”

Charlie is inspired by his love of cooking and travelling the world, setting up his business in 1996 in order to create delicious and homemade meals for foodies. He uses top-quality ingredients, with his aim to give back quality time used for cooking by producing prepared meals.

The book will include over 100 delectable recipes, from lasagne to chicken tikka, and Charlie’s favourite recipes. Chapters include mains for two, sitting-down starters, puddings and more.

Wells Food Festival is a celebration of Somerset’s rich farming and production of artisan food and drink.

It was established in 2013 with just 30 producers, now celebrating up to 200.

Around 15,000 visitors normally attend the free one-day festival, spanning the medieval Marketplace, the Palace Green and Moat and the Recreation Ground.

The event is run by volunteers and set up to benefit the local community by a Community Interest Company.