Bradford's sporting heroes have clashed in the kitchen to find the city's cuisine king.

Bradford City's star winger Lee Sharpe and Bradford Bull's captain Robbie Paul crossed forks in Centenary Square yesterday in a Ready Steady Cook style challenge.

Taking on the might of Kiwi cooking wizard Robbie, self-proclaimed culinary novice Lee, said: "I can cook anything - badly.

"I can do the basics all right - things like steak and boiled potatoes. But for the exotic stuff I don't even go there!"

In front of a packed marquee of fans sporting Bulls and Bantams shirts, the two had 20 minutes to cook up a pair of exotic dishes that could grace any restaurant table - almost.

Lee, with the help of chef Jonathan Nichols from Bradley's restaurant in Huddersfield, knocked up a panfried goat cheese salad starter and haddock fillets with poached egg main course.

And Robbie, ably abetted by Bradford's Lord Mayor Councillor Stanley King, rustled up an exotic Tiger prawn and fish dish with rice and black pepper.

Robbie said: "My grandfather is a chef and my uncle is a chef. But they haven't taught me anything so I'm just making it up as I go along!

"I'm like one of those people who play golf with one club. I have one knife that does everything."

And Robbie was quick to point out that it was just the onions that had made his eyes water. He said: "I'm a big hard rugby player, I don't cry! I enjoy the pain."

In the best Ready Steady Cook traditions the dishes had to be named with Lee's creation being christened Sharpe but Sweet and Robbie's named South Sea Island Sea Food Delight.

But the speedy gourmet menu was a far cry from sportsmen's usual diets.

Lee said: "My usual diet is a lot of high energy stuff and carbohydrates like pasta and potatoes. We usually eat the same things before each match like chicken and beans or spag bol but that can become a little boring by the end of the season."

The challenge was part of ten days of demonstrations and displays taking part in the Bradford Food Festival's marquee in Centenary Square. Festival organiser Simon Dunn, said: "It's been brilliant. The food festival's got off to a really good start and the demonstration tent has been very popular."

And the verdict?

Challenge compere Elisa Hilton, Pulse radio DJ, said: "I think Robbie's got to be the winner. I think he just edges it on the cooking. But I was very impressed with Lee's chopping skills."

For more details on the festivals other events call (01274) 391666.