THE Taste of the West Christmas food fair held at Cotehele last month was a great success for both visitors and exhibitors alike.

More than 2,000 visitors from across the region enjoyed the taste of a local foodie Christmas with a range of products, including fudge, cider, hand-made Christmas puddings, Cornish pasties, regional cheeses and pies.

Visitors were also able to visit the Cotehele Christmas garland on display in the main house. At 60ft in length, it is made up of more than 20,000 dried flowers all grown on the estate.

Carol singers entertained guests in front of a huge open fire in the Great Hall and in the marquee.

Alex Shapland, of Kernow Chocolate, said: 'The tent looked great and it was a pleasure to be there.'

Evelyn Westwater, Taste of the West's events manager, said: 'It was a wonderful event. We had another marvellous weekend at Cotehele, showcasing the best of Cornish and regional produce. The turnout was magnificent considering the inclement weather.'

The Cotehele Christmas Garland is on display until the new year and can be seen on the One Show on BBC1 tonight (Thursday). The Barn Restaurant has expanded into the food festival marquee until Christmas, making it even easier for visitors to enjoy a meal or snack.