A FRIEND of mine never tires of using the line: "Venison? It's a bit deer for me."

Whether or not it's too dear, the meat will be on the menu at the Kent Game and Equine Festival.

Pheasant, rabbit and possibly pigeon are also due to be available at the celebration of country life at the county showground later this month.

Jill Knowles, who is responsible for the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) campaign Game's On, which encourages people to eat wild game, will demonstrate a number of simple recipes.

Visitors will also be able to marvel at the skills of a master butcher while other culinary treats, including game curries, will be cooked up by top chefs from award-winning restaurants, including Dev Biswal from The Ambrette and Raja from the Raja of Kent.

The cooking promises to be quite the spectacle, taking place in the event's grandly-titled "game cookery theatre".

Meanwhile, anyone with a passion for fishing is likely to have heard of Charles Jardine, a well known advocate of the principle of "catch it and cook it".

The fisherman, who is an author, illustrator, journalist, radio and TV presenter, will dish out some fishing tips and prepare a lunch "Fit for Fishers", also in the theatre.

Other festival features will include an indoor equestrian arena where top international show jumpers Graham and Tina Fletcher will show off their talents to the audience.

For shooting enthusiasts there will be a clay shoot, a BASC shooting school and air rifle coaching.

Displays will include a terrier and lurcher show, falconry, ferret racing and vintage tractors and machinery.

There will also be a chance to buy a whole range of country and equestrian equipment and clothing, gifts, tack, paintings, prints and fishing goods.

The Kent Game and Equine Festival will be held at the county showground, Detling between 10am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, March 26 and 27.

Tickets cost £6 to £8 in advance or £7 to £10 on the gate. Family tickets are available. Visit www.contour.uk.net or call 01749 813899.