RURAL traditions are being kept alive at an annual game fair which attracted thousands country pursuits lovers at the weekend.

The Teesdale Game Fair was the biggest staged at Witton Castle, near Bishop Auckland, since the foot-and-mouth outbreak in 2001.

With 120 trade stalls and international acts entertaining crowds in the main ring, the two-day fair was a family event.

The Over the Top motorcycle team proved a huge attraction. There were falconry and ferreting displays, lurchers, terriers and gundogs as well as horses of all shapes and sizes.

Visitors could learn how to cast a fly, try their hand at clay pigeon shooting and archery or admire the work of walking stick makers and other country craftspeople.

There was a funfair and bouncy castle for the children and a wide range of stalls selling traditional crafts and produce.

Organiser Geoff Clutton is keep to continue the country tradition in the years following foot-and-mouth.

He said: "Over the past three or four years, it's got bigger and better."