In pictures: Excitement bubbles over at Bishop's Castle Michaelmas Fair

Thousands of people thronged the streets of the market town for a full day of entertainment.

After just eight people were left on the committee the 2014 fair was cancelled.

But chairwoman, Liz Still said last year's absence made people realise what they were missing.

She said: "This year we had all the Michaelmas favourites back, but the idea was to keep it in the town centre so that it had a real street fair feel."

Attractions included a team of 'bubbleologists' who fascinated younger visitors with their giant buggle creations. There was also live music and dancing, processions of vintage vehicles, street theatre, exotic animals, food and drink and art workshops .

A life-size puppet elephant opened the event on Saturday, which also saw steam engines and tractors, Morris dancing, owls and alpacas, local ales, samba dancing and have-a-go puppetry.

As night fell there was a lantern procession followed by Peet the Fool's Fire Show as the finale and music on the Town Hall stage.

Nelson the life-size puppet elephant was created by Bishop's Castle artist Bamber Hawes, especially for this year's Michaelmas Fair. Walking with the huge bamboo and cloth animal, operated by two puppeteers, was a trombone player providing the elephant-style noises.

Liz said: "He was made from recycled material and the blanket over him was made as a community project with Bishop's Castle Primary School, the Community College and Stone House care home, printed by Esther Thorpe."