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

The eighth Dales Festival of Food and Drink, in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, was blessed with blue skies and sunshine.

The site was buzzing from the moment the gates opened, as food-lovers of all ages descended on the attractions.

The three-day event, which concludes today, was launched in 2002 to help the rural economy recover from the foot-and-mouth crisis.

But it has since become firmly entrenched in the region’s calendar of events, and has raised thousands of pounds for local good causes.

More than 80 producers were demonstrating and selling their wares, including meats, cheeses, preserves, ice creams, pies, game and breads.

There was also the chance to make bread and butter, watch sheep-shearing demonstrations, follow the brewing process, learn more about beekeeping and even the opportunity to try dry stone walling.

Cooks shared their secrets in the theatre marquee, while dog-training and agility sessions and ferret-racing had the crowds cheering.

The beer tent did a roaring trade as it hosted a real ale festival featuring more than 40 brews from across the county.

The main speaker on Saturday was former SAS boat specialist Peter Bray, who spoke about his experiences of eating to survive.

He was the first person to use a kayak to cross the North Atlantic unsupported.

He said: “As a Cornishman, I can really appreciate the attractions and values of great local food and drink.

“As you can imagine, I end up thinking a lot about what I am going to eat at the end of an expedition like the North Atlantic challenge.”

Yesterday, humorist and writer Gervase Phinn had the crowds laughing, and today it will be the turn of local writer Mike Pannett, whose book Now Then Lad, about his experiences as a rural beat bobby, has been a bestseller.

The festival is open from 10am to 5pm. Entry is £6.

The festival website is at dalesfestivaloffood.org