A FURNESS chef proved one of the star attractions at a food festival which saw more than 20,000 people flock to take part.

Broughton chef Gary McCLure was among the big draws at the first Taste Cumbria Summer Festival to be held in Whitehaven last weekend.

The festival saw the town packed with people as stalls and activities were held on King Street, Market Place and the harbourside.

The Smokery, which sells a variety of smoked products, at Haverigg Prison, was also a popular choice.

Morag Hopkins, instructor at Haverigg Prison, who was selling the products said: "people have been keen to buy local products from local traders, including the prison.

Visitors had the chance to check out some chef demonstrations including Kevin McAvoy creating a chicken dish, as well as Mr McLure, who dished up a seafood and salad treat.

Along the harbourside were cars from some of the county's top dealers as well as a selection of classic cars.

Organisers said the event had been a great success.

Marie Whitehead, of CN Events which organised the festival, said: "It has been absolutely brilliant. We had quite a lot of traders sell out so they had to go home and restock for the next day.

"The sun came out and so did the people."

The annual motor show, which is now in its seventh year, also proved a hit for locals.

The event builds on the success of the Taste Cumbria events around the county, which are held in association with Cumbria Life.

For Copeland's leaders the event was a welcomed boost for the town.

They said there will be economic benefits to the town, and they also raised their aspirations for the town's regeneration through other ventures.

Copeland mayor Mike Starkie said it was great to bring a festival back to Whitehaven.

And enjoying the activities on offer at the festival was Copeland MP Trudy Harrison, who said: "I'm really impressed by the layout of the market stalls on King Street. The sun is coming out and so are the people."