TASTE buds were tickled and mouths watered as thousands of people flocked to Wimborne's rejuvenated food festival.

Around 4,000 people milled between more than 80 food and drink stalls at Cornmarket, Minster Green, Town Square and Willow Walk on Saturday to try out an array of Dorset-made produce.

The popular food and drink festival was cancelled last year due to lack of funding but has had new life breathed into it by the Wimborne Business Improvement District (BID), Dorset Food and Drink, Dorset Farmers' Market and The Anonymous Travelling Market.

This saw it return in style and featured wine tasting, cooking demonstrations and an opportunity to sample some of the finest fare available in the county.

Dorset Food and Drink coordinator Catherine Wright said she was delighted to see the packed town flourishing with eager foodies taking advantage of everything from marshmallows to olives and chilli selections.

“This is something we have done for the good of the town and its businesses,” she added.

“The streets have been packed with people carrying bags from local shops and everybody seems really pleased the festival is back.

“It has been a great way to start Dorset Food Week - we have so much on - over 60 events across the county which we are very excited about.”

The week's activities are due to run until Sunday and are predominantly taking place in West Dorset, although on Saturday there will be an opportunity for the more adventurous to go out on kayaks at Studland to fish before returning to shore to cook what they have caught.

For more information on Dorset Food Week, visit dorsetaonb.org.uk/food-and-drink.