IF author Charles Dickens had been lucky enough to call Ulverston home, the town’s annual celebration in his honour could not have failed to have impressed him.

The 13th Dickensian festival transformed the town’s cobbled streets into a sea of bustles, bespectacled gentlemen and baking hot mince pies.

Coach-loads of visitors from all over the North filled the streets, taking in shows, the sounds of Scottish pipers and incredible period costumes.

New for this year was a vintage fair held in the town's Drill Hall and it became the ideal place to grab a cup of tea and hunt out a bargain period piece.

Diane Cook, of upholstery company Evans Taylor Restoration and organiser of the fair, said: "We've got bags, jewellery, incredible items from the past and the fair fits in so well with the Dickensian feel.

"Everyone loves vintage things and also home made crafts.

she added: "People are telling me they've been able to do all their Christmas shopping here rather than go to a big city so that's great news for the town."

Dressed in homemade Victorian style outfits with shawls and bonnets, friends Pat Rose and Margaret Woods from County Durham said it was good to be back in Ulverston after last year's snow which had kept them at home.

Pat Rose said: "The atmosphere is just incredible. We just love anything Victorian so it's great to get dressed up and come and have a day out. It's also nice to see so many local crafts and food stalls."

New Market Street had transformed itself for the event into a 'Made in Cumbria alley' with cakes, bread, meats from producers all over the region.

And in true Dickensian theme the scent of roast chesnuts and mulled wine filled the air as revellers ventured into Old Market Street to watch lively street performaces.

On Saturday entertainers Bell & Bullock had children howling with laughter with their show Time Trouble and the Time Machine and the theatrical theme continued in Coronation Hall where Eric Idle's play Pass the Bulter was performed by Ulverston Outsiders theatre group.

Ulverston Victoria High School musicians pupils also kept up the festive feel with a rousing rendition of favourite Christmas carols under the cover of Irvings the butchers.

Butcher John Turner said: "It's a brilliant event and the organisers should be thanked for putting it on. It gives the whole town a good atmosphere and it's very good for trade."

Elsewhere in town a one mile charity run in aid of St Mary's Hospice saw Barrow-in-Furness MP John Woodcock don a santa suit to join 37 other Father Christmas themed runners.

Finishing a respectable third, he said: "It was a bit rainy and a bit windy but there has been a tremendous spirit and brilliant that so many people came out to take part."

The Dickensian Festival is organised by an independent local committee of volunteers on a non-profit making basis led by Peter Winston.

It is funded by grants, sponsors, local businesses and fund raising efforts throughout the year.