A WINTER food festival showed off the best of Ledbury, according to the town's mayor.

Debbie Baker said the Ledbury Big Breakfast gave a boost to the town, bringing people in and highlighting the quality of local farmers and Herefordshire businesses.

She said: "I thought it was a really successful event and I really enjoyed going round each venue on the day and seeing just how many people were taking part and how the Ledbury people and local people had joined in.

"It's extremely good for the town.

"It brings in customers and brings in people to spend money, which is always a good thing, but it really does highlight Ledbury in a good way.

"It shows people what there is and the hidden treasures that we have in Ledbury that people don't realise are there.

"It's all local produce so it's highlighting local farmers and small businesses around Herefordshire which is excellent."

Hundreds of people enjoyed the festival which happened across the town's shops, cafes, hotels and pubs last weekend.

Craig McKechnie of the Café at Nice Things said: “The Big Breakfast is a good thing for the town. It brings people in.”

Homend Bakery Teashop, the Seven Stars and Ceci Paolo all took part for the first time.

Handley Organics's “Syrian style” breakfast was again well supported, and Waller’s sold out of their special breakfast wraps.

Breakfasters also ventured to out of town venues including the Scrumpy House Restaurant at Westons, Trumpet Tearoom and the Nest.

More than 50 entries were received in the design your own sausage competition run by Llandinabo Farm Shop and Caffe No 21.

The winner was Maggie Freeman of Newent with a recipe featuring spices and herbs.

On Friday, the High Sheriff of Herefordshire Bill Jackson, along with the Mayor and Bill Wiggin, MP for North Herefordshire, were at the event.

They were greeted by Ledbury Town Crier, Bill 'the Bell' Turberfield before trying out produce for themselves at many of the venues.

Cllr Baker said The Muse Cafe handed over £262 raised over the weekend for her charities, the Kawasaki Support Group and the Madison Shelbie Bereavement Trust.

She added: "It's brilliant and also raises awareness of them."

Griff Holliday, from the organisers Ledbury Food Group, thanked all those who had taken part and the many residents and visitors who had supported the event.

He said: "We were very pleased. It's very good for local business and as a food group we aim to stimulate local food and local food production."