RECORD crowds turned out for Keswick Victorian Fayre today, with some travelling from the North East and Manchester specifically for the event.

Thousands of people packed Market Square to enjoy entertainment from acts including the Committed 2 Rock choir and Cockermouth Mechanics Band, and enjoy shopping and games on dozens of stalls run by local charities and good causes.

Fairground rides provided extra fun for the children, while Santa and Mrs Claus arrived in the afternoon, led by a team from Cairngorm Reindeer, to meet youngsters and find out their Christmas wishes.

There was also entertainment in Packhorse Court, where Cockermouth Ukuleles were among the crowd pleasers.

Among the causes benefiting from the event was the 1st Keswick Scout Group, whose young members helped the leaders run a tombola stall to raise money for their activities.

Bob Reader, assistant group Scout leader and assistant group Cub Scout leader said: "We're part of the community, the community helps us and we help the community."

Fellow volunteer Norman Tonkin added: "The event promotes a lot of worthy causes. It brings everybody out so people can see who they are."

Keswick Lions also ran a stall with games for fayre visitors to play.

Clive Beauvais of the group said: "It's been excellent. I think it's probably the best it's ever been. There are certainly more people here than I've ever seen before.

"It brings people together and nobody's being asked to spend much money because all the stalls' are reasonably priced but it's all going to good causes."

Lions club secretary Diane Cannon added: "It's a good platform for groups to tell people about what they do. It's a lovely family event."

Also taking part in the event were members of the Rotary Club of Bassenthwaite.

Member David Burton said: "We have had a really good time. The event is giving back to the community through all sorts of different charities."

The fayre was officially opened by Copeland MP Trudy Harrison and attended by Allerdale's deputy mayor John Crouch.

This year was the 29th time the event has been held in the town but the first under a new committee.

David Simpson, chairman of the organising committee, said: "It's been a fantastic day. The weather's been very kind to us, which has helped.

"We've had a lot of positive feedback from the stallholders and quite a few of them have sold out. We have had good feedback from the visitors as well.

"The reindeer were a great attraction, as ever. They're a definite plus for our event.

"All in all we think it was a successful event. All the committee has put in a lot of work and we are very please to see the results of our efforts."