BRIGHT weather and traditional crafts resulted in a good turn out for a country fair which went ahead against the odds last weekend, reports Beth Broomby.

The fifth annual Cockshott Fair, Windermere, which is organised by the National Trust, was smaller and shorter than in previous years as organisers were uncertain whether the foot-and-mouth outbreak would result in it being cancelled.

Shona Owen, for the National Trust, said: "Last year we staged the show over two days for the first time with 2,500 visitors on the Friday and 3,000 on the Saturday.

"This year, we didn't know whether we would be able to go ahead with the event until only six weeks ago.

Considering the short turn around, we were very pleased with the outcome - we held the fair for just one

day and had 2,200 visitors."

Craft demonstrations using locally-produced material, a wildlife tent and children's activities drew the crowds, and a unique bark-peelers hut was also on display.

Ms Owen said: "The hut would have been used by bark peelers in the Lake District as a base when they were gathering bark for things such as basket-making.

People could go in and look around, there was even a fireplace in there."

"People could have a go at bark peeling for themselves and we also had a basket weaver using the bark so people could see for themselves how it was done."

Musical entertainment was provided throughout the day by local jazz band the Fairly Famous Family.

Ms Owen added: " Although the numbers were down on last year, we were pleased with what we achieved in the circumstances.

There was a really nice atmosphere on the day.

We were pleased that we also got a lot of new members joining at the fair, which was a good expression of support for the trust."