MALTON'S reputation as the "food capital of Yorkshire" was further enhanced at the weekend, as record numbers of people gathered in the sunshine for the town's annual Food Lovers Festival.

Gastronomes were drawn to the streets of Malton for two days of food presentations, demonstrations, classes and talks, as well as stalls selling locally-made produce.

The headline act, TV chef Rosemary Shrager, was joined by a host of culinary stars, including food journalist Rose Prince, Michelin-star chef James Mackenzie, the face of the Naturalista blog Xochi Balfour and Yorkshire 'Food Finder' Sue Nelson.

Stallholders had a bright weekend for business, with many selling out of produce before the end of each day’s trading.

As well as the array of stalls and the cookery theatre, visitors to the festival also had cooking lessons in the Malton Cookery School where professional chefs mixed with keen home cooks to create dishes.

The newly-restored Talbot Yard Food Court was also a hit with thousands of visitors. Ice cream, coffee, bread and fresh pasta were sold and butcher Paul Potts reported his busiest weekend ever.

ButterBees butter parlour opened for the very first time and sold 66kg of hand-churned Yorkshire butter on Saturday.

Tom Naylor-Leyland, festival director, said: "The festival this year has been absolutely incredible, with crowds enjoying the weather, making it a real treat for foodies.

"The fantastic line-up of chefs attending this year's Food Lovers Festival, I believe, really establishes Malton as the North’s greatest food event. I would like to say a massive thank you to all involved for making this weekend a real highlight in the UK food calendar."

To find out more about next year's Malton Food Lovers Festival, the monthly food markets and 'Made in Malton' products, visit maltonyorkshire.co.uk