FOOD fans and anyone partial to a tipple enjoyed a tasty treat in Evesham on Saturday at the town's annual Pie and Ale Festival.

Everything was on offer from pork pies to those filled with gravy and ales from a wide variety of brewers, largely based close to Evesham.

The mayor had the enviable job of tasting 13 ales and 21 pies before judging the winners of the day, while guests had to make the tough choice of selecting their lunch.

Mayor of Evesham, councillor Charlie Homer, said: "All the beers are local to the area. There has been a good turn out today. The pies are really good."

The winner of the pork pie category, the Outdoor Pig Co, which is based in Chapel Street in Evesham, Sadie Downey said they had enjoyed the day.

"It's lovely that the event is so well supported and we are lucky to get the recognition. We like our pies but it's nice when other people like them as well.

"We have had a really good day."

Former mayor Cllr Mark Goodge was also having fun, despite being disappointed not to have been given the chance to judge the competition last year.

He said: "Last year councillor Gerry O'Donnell, who was chairman of Wychavon, got to judge the competition. This year the mayor gets to do it.

"Today has been a good turn out and I have tasted several of the beers and bought some pies to take home, so it's good."

Other guests were trying the tasty food on offer.

Katie Pettitt, aged eight, with dad Lee Pettitt and Harry Cook, five, and Lucie Cook, seven, with mum Sarah Cook, were trying out some of the chocolate pancakes.

Mrs Cook said: "It's been absolutely lovely. We have been into the church and the children have made some stained glass windows and bishop hats and we all tasted some pies."

Kevin Mace Quality Butchers were enjoying the day.

Mr Mace said: "It's a good event for us to come down to. It's been busy and seems to have got bigger every year."

Organisers Tony Rowland, Yvonne Schembri, Debbie Rolls and Vicky Lawson, were also pleased with the event.

Mr Rowland, chairman of the Vale of Evesham Commerce and Tourism Association, said: "We have stalls of all local produce and ale.

"As an organisation I am hoping we have had a good day. We spent money when the bridge was closed on a radio campaign and so now it's putting it back in place so we can continue to work for the benefit of the traders in the town."