QUEEN Mother Square in Poundbury was packed with the county’s finest produce and artistic talent as the popular Dorset Food and Arts Festival returned for its fourth year.

Crowds flocked to the annual festival, which raises money for Weldmar Hospicecare Trust and other local charities.

From 9am to 9pm today there was a host of food, stalls, music and demonstrations, showcasing the best food and drink Dorset has to offer.

TV chef, Lesley Waters, who has her own cookery school in the county, welcomed the crowds as she opened the event.

She said: "I do not know where the last 14 years have gone since I came down here.

"Our first filming was in Dorchester in the market on a Wednesday.

"One of the things we love about this area is that we have such amazing produce.

"The Dorset Food and Arts Festival is in its fourth year and it gets busier and busier each year.

"It's just fantastic to be here.

"You can see just how amazing it's getting to be in Poundbury.

"Everyone is so passionate about what they are doing at the festival too.

"The sun is shining and its going to be a really successful day."

The festival is a partnership between Dorset Food and Drink, Dorset Farmers Markets and the Duchy of Cornwall, with support from the county’s leading food and drink businesses and the Poundbury business community.

It began as a celebration of Dorset artisan products and music during the Olympic Games in 2012.

Claire Barrett, who was at the festival with her three children said: "It's a really beautiful day and it's absolutely packed.

"Hopefully a lot of money will be raised because its a fantastic festival and its for a great cause and it brings more people into Poundbury.

"All the stalls are amazing - we've already had numerous pastries which are delicious."

Only Fools and Horses star, John Challis, was also at the festival promoting three of his books, with fans eagerly waiting to have him sign their copies.

Mr Challis said: "I am very happy to be here today.

"I do have a connection to Dorset; my wife is from Martinstown and we come down here quite often as she still has family here.

"We have seen Poundbury growing of the years and it's just extraordinary and it is amazing to be here.

"It's an impressive festival and the location is so attractive.

"There is so many people here too which is great for the town."