WAITROSE has today announced a dream alliance that is set to be the envy of the food retail world.

Delia Smith and Heston Blumenthal will come together for the first time in a collaboration that will see these two top food icons in TV, press and online advertising.

Both Delia and Heston will act as food ambassadors for the Waitrose brand; inspiring cooks, sharing their expertise and showcasing recipes - whilst offering tips and championing individual ingredients.

On working with Waitrose, Delia said: "After many years of communicating recipes I am delighted that now everyone who follows them will be absolutely certain of being able to find all the ingredients."

Heston said: "I am very excited about my relationship with Waitrose who share my love of great food and drink - I'm looking forward to working with them and their exceptional group of farmers and producers. I'm also excited about sharing some great practical tips, ideas and recipes with the home cook, to encourage us all to get the best out of our ingredients, and hopefully add some fun and excitement to the weekly shop."

The campaign will debut towards the end of March and is the first-ever personality fronted ad campaign from Waitrose.

"To have Britain's best-loved cook and Britain's most innovative chef on board is phenomenal," said Rupert Thomas, Waitrose Director of Marketing.

"Delia and Heston embody the Waitrose passion for food and, with them, we aim to get the nation cooking, experimenting and enjoying food."