THE wintry start to spring might have ruined any chance of seeing early damson blossom, but that didn't deter visitors from flocking to enjoy the Lyth Valley's annual Damson Day celebrations today.

Despite the prospect of rain this afternoon, more than 2,500 people are thought to have made the journey to Low Farm for the fruitful festivities.

Westmorland Damson Association (WDA) vice-chairman John Holmes said: "The blossom is about three or four weeks late this year because of the cold weather. But even though there isn't the wonderful display you normally see, the guided walks around the valley to see the damson trees have been still been popular."

Despite the lateness in blossoming, Mr Holmes expressed hope there would be a bumper crop of damsons later in the year.

"For reasons we don't quite fully understand, the harvest was a disaster last year," he said. "This year, however, we could have a totally different story. Late blossom could mean the trees have a better chance of avoiding frost damage, leading to more fruit."

The WDA need to harvest between 20 and 25 tonnes of fruit to keep the local damson industry going. To encourage people to maintain and extend their orchards, the association agrees to buy around five tonnes of damsons each year which are kept in cold storage to provide a ready stock for local businesses which use it to make jam, gin and a range of other damson produce.

Mr Holmes said the WDA had agreed a deal with Staveley company Friendly Food and Drink to have damson jam made from the association's own recipe, bringing a significant level of production back into Cumbria.

Today's Damson Day attractions included Morris Dancers, dog agility displays, cookery demonstrations, craft stalls, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling and children's sports.

There was also a wide range of local produce for sale, including every damson-related product imaginable.

Friends of Crosthwaite School put on the catering to boost school funds. At last year's Damson Day, their efforts raised around £4,000.