Visitors get their fill at Leyland’s food fayre - picture slideshow

Dozens of gazebos had been set up around Leyland Market and Hough Lane to showcase some of the best eateries from Leyland and the surrounding area.

Mexican, Indian, Italian, Chinese and English favourites were all on offer from the likes of Mumbai Masala, Thindian, La Corte, Beijing and Cod’s Plaice.

Leyland Market put together a special ‘Taste of Leyland’ sampler stall to show off the best of local produce.

A Children vs Food competition, cupcake and biscuit decorating, face-painting, and balloon-modeller kept the youngsters entertained, and a number of musicians and bands played to the crowds in Balfour Court.

The event, organised by the Leyland Guardian, was supported by South Ribble Council and Leyland Market, and sponsored by the Play Pad children’s centre.

Special guests included the Mayor of South Ribble, Coun Mary Green, BBC Radio Lancashire and new Freeview TV channel, ‘That’s Lancashire’, who all spoke to enthusiastic traders and members of the public.

More than £300 was raised on the council’s Love Leyland stall, which offered prizes from a host of independent businesses in the town, and the money will be used to help the Leyland Town Team’s Christmas lights fund.

On the high street, the Market Ale House held a cider festival for the occasion, and a number of local businesses offered up tasters and treats to passers-by.

Mayor, Coun Green, said: “This is absolutely excellent. It’s been organised by the local newspaper and the council, and it’s really helping local businesses to advertise where they are and what they do.

“South Ribble and Leyland has a lot to offer, and this is really informing the community about what there is here.

“It’s fantastic - I’m really pleased to see so many people here. It’s wonderful.”

Special thanks also go to HSS Hire in Preston and Whittle Jones, who also backed the event.