FOOD lovers crowded into Andover town centre on Sunday to learn about, taste and buy local produce as the Feast Food Fayre came to town.

Organised by Hampshire Farmers' Markets, the event had more stallholders than ever before, offering a record number of visitors top-quality food and drink from the county and beyond.

Speciality sausages, game including pheasant, pigeon and rabbit, cakes and pastries and cheeses and pasta were just some of the goodies on offer, while local wines and even unusual tea blends from Twinings made an appearance.

And those who wanted to pick up a few cooking tips could take in demonstrations by top chefs - Andy MacKenzie, executive chef at the Lainston House Hotel in Winchester, cooked two-course menus using healthy and seasonal produce designed by Andover school pupils.

Sian Allen of Portway Junior School won first prize, while the Chippy Choppers group from Knights Enham Infant School and Jack Elkins from Kimpton Primary School were runners-up.

David Aston, market co-ordinator for Hampshire Farmers' Markets said: "Lots of our stall holders were very enthusiastic and had a good day. We were very pleased by the turnout and it certainly seems to have been a success."

Andover town centre manager Christine Cole said the event was one of the most successful with more stalls and variety than ever before. She added: "It was a fantastic day, and the public really turned out in their droves. It was so good to have two lots of cookery demonstrations."