More than 6,500 people enjoyed a feast of food and fun at the weekend's Narberth Food Festival.

The event lifted spirits in the town on a weekend of gloomy weather, and welcomed happy crowds of locals and visitors from further afield to its massive marquee on the Town Moor.

With over 60 stalls, plus a lively entertainment programme and demonstrations and master classes from top chefs, there was something to suit all tastes on the menu.

Festival patron Angela Gray was amongst the culinary maestros cooking up a storm in the Food Theatre.

"It's a terrific event, with a really lovely mix," she said. "There is lots of local support, but also people travelling from all over to be here.

"I always feel this is a special festival, full of community spirit."

In line with this year's theme of From East to West, the event welcomed a world-spanning selection of chefs, including New Zealander Anna Hansen and Indian culinary maestro Anand George, both making their festival debuts.

Fish curry, pasta and sushi-making workshops were on offer to set the tastebuds tingling, and visitors were warmly welcomed with food and drink samples from stalls ranging from patisserie to proscuttio.

One of the most popular taste-tests was at Narberth butcher Andrew Rees's stand, where he revealed the ingredients of the special sausage created to mark the festival.

Alongside local Dexter beef, the banger featured tomato, leek and ginger.

Said Andrew: "Not everyone is sure about beef sausages, but the comments about this one have been 75 per cent positive, so I think we'll be making more to sell."

And over at the Surf and Turf stand - featuring products from Bethesda Meats and F For Fish - Sian Bowen and Louise Hook were delighted with the reaction from the public.

Said Sian: "It's been excellent, and we'll definitely be back next year."

Now in its 13th year, the volunteer-run festival - which won Best Event in the last Pembrokeshire Tourism awards - is going from strength to strength.

Said festival vice-chairman Lynne Compton: "It certainly hasn't been an unlucky event, despite the weather! All our stallholders seem happy, and some have already booked for next year.

"We had a brilliant education day for schoolchildren on Friday, and it was lovely to see them coming back with their parents at the weekend.

"This year we made special provision for hearing-impaired children, and we also brought a signer in for three of our cookery demonstrations, which was very much appreciated by several deaf people who came along.

"It's been another great weekend and hopefully a good boost for our traders, the town and local tourism."

The festival's first-ever Young Chefs competition proved a great success and was won by 23-year-old Chris Walker, of the Carreg Las, Bluestone.

Chris's prize includes restaurant work experience with Michelin-starred chef Will Holland at la Bécasse in Narberth's twin town of Ludlow.

He created a goat's cheese and olive parfait starter to win the approval of contest judges Angela Gray, Stephen Terry and Simon Wright, who described his dish as 'absolutely stunning'.

In second place was 18-year-old Danny Jenkins, of the Silverdale Inn, Johnston, with Lydia Taylor, aged 21, of Bar Five, Fishguard, third.

The competition was in memory of Luke Rogers, of Summerhill Farm Shop, Amroth.

Other results: pudding competition - Ocean Restaurant, Broad Haven; best food festival stall - PlumVanilla Café; best Narberth town trader's window display: 1. Fredericks Chocolaterie; 2. Welsh Farmhouse Company; 3. PlumVanilla Café.