VISITORS to the Three Tuns in Bransgore at the weekend enjoyed a brand new festival dedicated to celebrating food.

Hundreds turned out for the inaugural Bransgore Food Festival, inspired by popular foodie events in nearby Highcliffe and Christchurch.

Colin Nash, head chef at the inn, said: "It's gone really well.

"I'm really pleased with how it's all gone.

"The weather's good and a lot of people have come out to support us.

"I've spoken to our stallholders, who say they're enjoying the day, so it's great."

The event featured live music, demonstrations from top Dorset chefs, a hog roast, Morris dancing and even an egg and spoon race.

Colin said he hopes the event will take place again in the future.

"We hold a beer festival here already, and that's always really popular, so it would be nice to have this too," he said.

"It's been good fun.

"It's all about food. There are food festivals already in Christchurch and Highcliffe and they do very well, so I thought we could have one here too.

"We've got some top people here. A highlight for me has been the demonstrations by other chefs.

"When I go to the festival in Christchurch, I'm on the stage doing a demo myself, so it's been great to stand back and watch other chefs work."

Colin admitted organising the event had been "nerve-wracking".

"Obviously, you want it to go well and for everyone to have a great time," he said.

"We've had about 400 people here, so there's clearly a demand for it. It's been a great day."