CROWDS flocked to Poundbury's Queen Mother Square to enjoy the very best in local food and art.

The smells of local produce and sounds of musical talent filled the square as fine weather ensured a bumper turn out for the Dorset Food and Arts Festival.

The festival was officially opened by interior designer Annabel Elliot, sister of the Duchess of Cornwall.

As well as a host of stalls showcasing local food, there were cooking demonstrations from a host of culinary talents including television chef Lesley Waters, who runs a cookery school in Dorset.

She said: "It's fantastic, it's just a great pleasure to be here and be surrounded by all our favourite suppliers.

"It's a lovely setting and it's all been great."

Local food on offer ranged from ciders and wines to meat and preserves.

David Collins, from Hazelbury Bryan based Ajar Of, said they were regulars at the festival and were pleased with the turn out this year.

He said: "It's been really good, we're very happy."

Kate Atkinson, who opened her first Bridal Reloved in Poundbury and has gone on to open a number of other shops, said she was normally unable to make the event as it fell in the wedding season but she was delighted to be at this year's festival.

She said: "It's definitely part of what makes Poundbury so special."

As well as food, there was a range of music from local artists and there was also a charity element to the day with cream teas served in the Jubilee Craft Hall to raise funds for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

Events fundraiser for the charity Katie Slade said: "It's been incredible, we have been so lucky with the weather and we have had a steady stream of people.

"Dorset producers have been very generous and donated the jams and scones and it's been great to be here, it's such a stunning setting."

Simon Conibear, from the Duchy of Cornwall, said this year's festival was possibly the "best yet" for an event that was in its fifth year.

He said: "I think the weather has been perfect and this is what it's all about, local food and local music - it's brilliant."

Mr Conibear added that he hoped the day would raise a record amount for Weldmar and thanked all the local firms that had supported the event.