Sir, - May I take the opportunity to congratulate the Leyburn and Mid-Wensleydale Partnership on organising a superb Festival of Food & Drink.

Blessed with good weather, the scene was set for a thoroughly enjoyable, informative and relaxing family day out.

We travelled up from Lancashire, three families worth for our third festival, it was easily the best. Well planned, great site, more space to move, a most impressive food hall. We bought cheeses, eggs, meat (venison and wood pigeon), pies, mushrooms, preserves, chocolates, books and bottled beers.

The children enjoyed the tent displaying farming life, Dad loved the "old farming" display and Mum tapped her toes to the band, in all it was a brilliant day out and the town benefited by our use of Towlers (newspapers, magazines and sweets) and the Cover Bridge Inn where we enjoyed a hearty tea. Looking forward to next year.

JOHN H NUTTALL

Weir

Bacup, Lancs.