Cheeses, chutneys, pickles and pies were just some of the delights on offer, as food fans braved the rain for a North Yorkshire culinary extravaganza.

The third Ryedale Food And Drink Festival opened at Castle Howard yesterday, and drew a crowd of nearly 6,000 people.

Despite the dreadful weather, visitors lapped up a mouth-watering array of attraction, including cookery theatre demonstrations from local chefs, including TV's James Martin.

There were a series of lectures on how local foods are made and best enjoyed, including talks on Wensleydale cheese, and asparagus.

There was also a display of food-related artwork by primary school children from throughout Ryedale, and a sumptuous market marquee, with 60 local producers showcasing their finest foods.

Among those with a stall was butcher Grant Burton, who runs Burtons of Wilberfoss with his brother Mark.

He said: "It's very local for us and that's what the present theme on food is."

He said the weather had been poor, but not as bad as predicted, and he said turnout had been good.

Margaret Sykes, of the Farmer's Cart in Towthorpe, near York, said: "We have come every year, and there seem far more people this year. Whether it's the weather I do not know, but there has been a lot of interest.

"We use the event as a promotional tool. We are selling some asparagus and strawberries, but it's as much to show people what we have."

Castle Howard spokeswoman Eleanor Course said the day had been hugely successful, with about 5,900 people attending.

She said: "It's gone really well. We have been over the moon about the number of people coming in."