THE crowds turned out in their thousands at the weekend to sample some of the best the region has to offer.

The Dales Festival of Food and Drink, staged in a field in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, attracted thousands of visitors.

The first day, helped by blazing sunshine, brought in between 7,000 and 8,000 people, and on Sunday and yesterday, despite greyer weather, similar numbers poured through the gates.

Spokesman Brian Waite said: "I can only describe the public response to the festival as excellent. It shows there really is a demand for this sort of event, and this sort of locally produced produce."

The food hall, with more than 80 exhibitors, did a roaring trade, while a demonstration marquee was packed.

Other highlights included former England cricketer Graeme Fowler talking about his sporting days, and his passion for local food and produce.

Also popular was the beer festival, with 24 real ales from the region.

The festival was launched in 2002 as a way of bringing life back to the Dales after the devastation caused by the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Yesterday's highlights also included entertainment from best-selling writer and raconteur Gervaise Phinn.