BUMPER crowds packed out the Wimborne Food and Drink Festival today.

Thousands of people visited the gardens of historic Dean's Court, where a travelling market was packed with artisan producers.

The market also boasted live music throughout the day.

Event organiser Jenny Brown told the Echo: "It is absolutely brilliant, it is heaving everywhere.

"We have the most superb cookery demonstrations unit here.

"What is also so lovely is we have this brilliant weather as well."

Mayor of Wimborne Cllr Cook, who said she was delighted with the turnout, said: "The town is absolutely buzzing."

She added: "We used to have a food festival and, due to various reasons the woman pulled out, but now we have Jenny Brown who started off in a small way, but now the festival is growing and growing.

"What a brilliant event it has turned out to be.

"Somebody actually said to me, a member of the public as I was walking around, was that what was so nice was the fact so many people here are all local. It was so nice to see them come into Wimborne with their wares and produce.

"It looks like its been a very successful day out there."

The town's Cornmarket hosted a demonstration kitchen, with professionals such as La Fosse's Mark Hartstone, La Fleur's David Shepherd and Peter Murt, from Rick Stein Sandbanks, among those showcasing their skills.

There were also wine tastings, a festival gazebo and a free draw for a dinner for two at Rick Stein Sandbanks, complete with chauffeur-driven Volvo ride.

This year's festival had more than 100 food and drink producers from across Dorset.