In pictures: Ludlow Spring Festival draws the crowds

Ludlow Spring Festival, which is the spring counterpart to the world-famous Ludlow Food Festival in the autumn, was held at Ludlow Castle over the weekend.

The event allowed visitors to sample a large range of ales and dozens of food traders set up stalls, giving away free samples as well as selling their produce.

There was also a range of live music, from jazz and blues to Latin and folk.

Among those enjoying the beer tent and music was Mike Down, of Kidderminster, who was with his 68-year-old cousin Robert Pearsall, from Kent.

Mr Down, 68, said: "It's lovely. I'm going to have a few drinks and enjoy the cars. The atmosphere is great."

Bob Bayman, 67, of St Mary's Lane, Ludlow, was at the event with family, including his nine-year-old granddaughter Rebecca Bayman.

He said: "It's fantastic. The family come down from all over the place and people just have a great weekend."

Rob Cunningham, from Maynard's Farm in Prees Green, was among the food traders who set up a meat stall.

The 52-year-old said: "We've been coming here four or five years. It's a very happy atmosphere. Ludlow is full of passionate foodies and

business has been brisk."

Lynda Jones, from Lyndy's Country Kitchen in Kidderminster, also set up a pitch selling jams and marmalades.

The 61-year-old said: "It's the first time I've been here but it's doing really well. I'm back here in September."

A famous face also joined the crowds on Saturday.

John Challis, who played Boycie in the long-running BBC comedy series Only Fools and Horses, was at Ludlow Castle promoting his books Being Boycie and Reggie - A Stag at Bay.

He said: "I'm quite local and we are so lucky to have a local town that is so beautiful.

"I've played at the castle a couple of times doing Shakespeare. It's extraordinary now to see it covered in people and tents.

"There's so much to see."

Nearly 250 vintage vehicles were on display as part of the Marches Transport Festival which, now in its 32nd year, pre-dates the Spring Festival, but shares the castle grounds with it.

Pauline Blake, aged 61, of Lullington, Derbyshire, showed off her 1951 Sunbeam Talbot 90, which will soon be appearing in the BBC's period drama, Father Brown.

Mrs Blake, who owns a garage, said: "We've had this car five years and we travel all over in it. It is being used as Bunty's car in Father Brown.

"It's the first time we've been here but we certainly will be back. It's absolutely beautiful."

Berty Wooster came from Middlewood, Dorstone, Herefordshire, to display his 1926 Austin Heavy 12 Tourer, which he has owned for seven years.

The 82-year-old said: "I go to all the local shows. It's always busy here."