FOODIES flocked to Dartmouth for its annual festival of the best of the region's food and drink.

Chef Mitch Tonks was among celebrity guests who helped to transform the town into a gastronomic paradise for the five-day annual event.

Town Mayor Richard Rendle said: "It has been a wonderful few days. It has been lovely to see the town full of people enjoying themselves."

Among the activities were live music, cookery demonstrations and markets, as well as the South Devon Crab Festival, Wine Challenge and Big Cream Tea.

Totnes MP Dr Sarah Wollaston answered questions on food, farming and fishing for the MPs' Question Time.

Councillor Rendle said that the extra visitors had provided an out-of-season boost for the town.

"It has been a good stocking filler before Christmas," he said.

Dave Cawley, Dartmouth town councillor and tourism expert, said that the festival had been the best yet.

"It has got people into Dartmouth who otherwise may not have come," he said.

"They are enjoying the tastes and the buzz around the place, and may think to come back again."

He said the town's businesses had been boosted by extra trade, particularly after the fire that claimed one of the town's most historic buildings earlier this year.

Councillor Cawley said: "If ever there was a town getting back on its feet, then this festival was the way to do it."