ARTISTS and craftspeople welcomed thousands of visitors into their homes, studios and exhibitions during Silverdale and Arnside Art and Craft Trail.

For the first time in 11 years, the three-day celebration of village talent and creativity was promoted on Facebook and Twitter.

Clare Martin, who co-ordinates the trail with Debbie Copley, helped by dozens of volunteers, said it would now be interesting to assess how far people had travelled to enjoy the many attractions. She described footfall as "very good".

Painters, potters, blacksmiths, stone carvers and many more showcased their work, and St John's Parish Church, Silverdale, was packed out for a Friday evening concert.

New for this year were demonstrations and talks by the Lancs and Lakes Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers. They proved very popular with visitors interested in textiles, said Clare, while on the Institute field there was family fun including blacksmithing displays and willow igloo building.

Clare said that hands-on activities were very much "part of our philosophy" at the art and craft trail, as well as the rich variety of amateurs and well-known professionals showing their work.