A PAIR of renowned British products received a rave reaction from festival-goers at a brand new event in Haworth.

Young and old flocked to the first ever Sausage and Cider Festival, which was organised by local resident Kath Thornton.

The event was held in Haworth's Old School Room, in Church Street, from late afternoon last Friday (Oct 10) till last Sunday afternoon. (Oct 12)

Guests arrived to sample 17 different types of cider from all over the UK, and eight different seasonal ales as well as eight varieties of sausages which had been made locally.

The event included a family fun day from 11am on Sunday with proceeds going to Manorlands Hospice. The fundraising total has still to be confirmed

Miss Thornton, who lives in Stanbury and arranged the festival in response to popular demand, said: "Considering this was the first time it was absolutely fantastic, we were really busy.

"I had ordered 400 sausages but on Saturday afternoon I realised we were going to run out on the Sunday.

"So Ellisons Butchers in Cullingworth stepped up to the mark and made some more. In total we sold over 500 sausages and all the ciders and beers were sold out."

She said that sausages were also produced by Marsh Top Meats, in Oxenhope, and cooked at the festival by staff from Jakes Place caterers.

Live musical entertainment was provided on the Saturday by Irish-born musician Paul Jermyn.

Miss Thornton said: "The charity fun day was great, the kids loved it and I'd never seen the place so busy before. The music on the Saturday afternoon and evening was excellent.

"I saw plenty of new faces there. We had people coming along just for the sausages.

"It was hard work but well worth it. I definitely hope to put on the same event next year. We might need a bigger venue, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

"I want to take on more staff to help out with the organising because I can't do everything myself."

She thanked her mother, Enid Thornton, for staffing the doors and handling the cash at the festival.

"My mum was a trooper, she was there all weekend helping me out," she said.

She also paid tribute to all the members of the public who attended the occasion.

"It can't happen without the people, it's the people that make the festival," she added. "They come to enjoy themselves and to have a bit of a family get together. And because it's such a nice atmosphere you don't always need music because the sound of the people is the music."