IT wasn't just the awesome surroundings that had crowds flocking to one of the country's most famous stately homes over the bank holiday weekend.

Tastebud-tempting local produce attracted thousands of people to Castle Howard, near Malton, for the second Ryedale Festival of Food and Drink.

The event featured more than 70 local growers and producers who were exhibiting in all-weather sheltered marquees, together with a cookery theatre from some of the region's leading chefs.

They included TV favourite James Martin - who grew up on the Castle Howard estate - and Annie Stirk, known for her appearances on TV's This Morning show. Other local celebrity chefs included Giorgio Alessio, who uses local produce in Italian-inspired recipes at his Scarborough restaurant La Lanterna, and Richard Fox, who specialises in recipes using beer.

Even the Army played its part in the event, with chefs from the Royal Logistics Corps demonstrating how to feed soldiers in an operational environment.