TASTE buds were tingled at a food fair in Weymouth.

The first Wessex Food Festival at Weymouth Pavilion Ocean Room was declared a success as hundreds of people poured through the doors to sample the finest food and drink from the South West.

The people behind the two-day festival have run similar events at Kingston Maur-ward College in the past and decided to test the water in Weymouth.

They were not disappointed as around 1,200 people visited the festival each day to browse the 50 or so stalls, sample and buy some tempting goodies, watch cookery demonstrations by some of the best chefs in the area, and try to win a prize on the raffle.

Produce on offer included beer and cider, Dorset honey, cheeses, wine, shellfish, watercress, olives, waffles, cakes and sweets.

There was also Spanish produce, preserves and pancakes, and a host of food accessories.

Visitors could take a break in the food court and enjoy morning coffee, wonderful lunches including paella, sushi, a variety of meat and vegetarian options, crepes and an afternoon Dorset cream tea.

Lindsey Howell, whose family organised the Wessex Food Festival, said the event will support the Purbeck Isle Memorial Fund, set up after the tragic loss of the Weymouth fishing boat with three crewmembers. Almost £700 will go the fund.

Lindsey said: “The festival went really well.

“The success of the event means it will be an annual event in Weymouth.”