Q. What do a chocoholic scientist, a shellfish market trader, a footie mad chef, a surfing cookery school teacher and entrepreneur restaurateur have in common?

A. Their passion for good food and commitment to make Birmingham a UK culinary hotspot.

Five of the city�s leading foodies have been chosen by Marketing Birmingham to spearhead Birmingham Bites, the food and drink campaign promoting the very best in Fine Dining; Markets, Foodhalls and Specialist Shops; World Cuisine; Local Food Producers; and Cookery Courses and Short Breaks.

From 17 October 2005, Birmingham Bites� five Food Heroes will star in a vibrant series of posters and promotional material throughout the city, before representing Birmingham Bites at the BBC Good Food Show in November at the NEC and the Festive Good Food Show at Earls Court in December.

Michelin�starred chef Glynn Purnell, Head Chef, Jessica�s Restaurant is Birmingham Bites Gastro Guru, reflecting the excellent reputation of Fine Dining in the city. Greg Pearce, Proprietor, Pearce�s Shellfish, Birmingham Bull Ring markets is the city�s very own Prawn Star, highlighting the range of Markets, Foodhalls and Specialist Shops. Aktar Islam, Development Chef, Lasan restaurant is lending a touch of New Spice to the campaign�s World Cuisine category. George Dadd, Chief Chocolate Taster, Cadbury who is flying the flag for Birmingham�s Local Food Producers has been named Choc Star. Charlie Barr, Cookery Course Tutor, L�Ecole de Cuisine at Simpsons Restaurant is simply Top Class for Weekend Breaks and Cookery Classes.

GASTRO GURU � Glynn Purnel, Head Chef at Jessica�s Restaurant, in Edgbaston has won two prestigious culinary �firsts� for the city this year � a Michelin star and the title of AA Restaurant of the Year 2005. The extrovert 30 year old�s favourite pastime, apart from being a Birmingham City fan, is taking his one year old Jack Russell, Whoops, for runs around Edgbaston reservoir. Glynn has come a long way in a sixteen year career. His imaginative and adventurous style of cooking has brought critical acclaim for his restaurant and the city, something which makes him � and his mum � very proud. With the city being awarded its first two Michelin stars this year, Glynn will help to showcase Birmingham�s Fine Dining restaurant scene.

PRAWN STAR � 43 year old fishmonger Greg Pearce is the fifth generation in a family of Birmingham market traders that began with his Great Great Grandfather Iram Pearce in 1885. He begins his day at Birmingham�s Bull Ring markets at 6am, shelling hundreds of crabs, preparing lobsters, prawns and shoal-loads of shellfish, before tucking into a breakfast of jellied eels, his daily treat since he was eight. Farmers markets are flourishing in the city centre and Greg will represent the huge range of Markets, Foodhalls and Specialist Delis throughout Birmingham. NEW SPICE � 25 year old entrepreneur Aktar Islam loves fast cars, living the high life in Birmingham�s entertainment hotspots and introducing diners to a world of exotic vegetables and spices at his contemporary Indian restaurant, Lasan. As Development Chef at the award-winning restaurant in Birmingham�s Jewellery Quarter, he makes sure the menu constantly reflects seasonal produce and inspires diners with new but traditionally-derived dishes. Aktar shows off a world of flavours in Birmingham�s great selection of international restaurants including Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Greek, Chinese, French and Italian.

CHOC STAR � With quite possibly one of the world�s most enviable jobs, it�s no surprise that Cadbury Chief Chocolate Taster, George Dadd, 51, has not left the Bournville-based factory since he started work there 33 years ago. A scientist, whose childhood aptitude for distinguishing subtle differences in taste and flavours has led to him testing the nation�s favourite chocolate to ensure it stays top of the league. Birmingham born national favourites are at the heart of the country, and produced in the heart of the city. TOP CLASS � a graduate of Birmingham�s internationally acclaimed College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies, 25 year old Charlie Barr has won numerous awards and accolades including Egon Ronay Student of the Year 2003. A one year placement with chef Rick Stein in Padstow inspired her with a passion for surfing. Charlie is responsible for the day to day running of the newly launched L�Ecole de Cuisine at Simpsons, the Michelin starred restaurant in Edgbaston, where she works alongside Cuisinier Andreas Antona and Executive Chef, Luke Tipping. Charlie will be feeding the nation�s mind as the Food Hero for Cookery Courses and Short Breaks.

Neil Rami, Chief Executive, Marketing Birmingham said: �Birmingham is a creative and cosmopolitan city with a rich and diverse food culture. Our five Food Heroes will help to showcase our culinary delights, tempting the tastebuds of all and inviting people to taste the world, all in one city.�

Mike Whitby, Leader, Birmingham City Council says: �This campaign perfectly reflects the international nature and ambitions of the city. What better way to promote the city than by getting the real people of Birmingham to tell the world what a fantastic place this is.�

The five Birmingham Bites Food Heroes will be appearing throughout the city including 96 sheet posters, a network of city information posters, presence at The Mailbox, on TV screens at Chamberlain Square, at Snow Hill Station and popping up throughout the city, day and night. For a taste of Birmingham Bites, the latest events, restaurant listings, recipes, competitions and offers go to www.birminghambites.com ENDS

Media Enquiries: Roulla Xenides, S&X Media, T: 0121 604 6366 / E: roulla@sx-media.com

Trudi Dunlop, PR Manager, Marketing Birmingham T: 0121 202 5001 / E: trudi.dunlop@marketingbirmingham.com

Notes to Editors: �Marketing Birmingham is the destination marketing agency for the Birmingham City region. It is a public�private partnership supported financially by Birmingham City Council and some 400 member companies. It raises additional commercial revenue through the provision of a hotel accommodation and conference booking service.