CULINARY creations from some of Cornwall's finest producers were showcased to capacity crowds at a three-day festival celebrating a cornucopia of food and drink.

The sixth Cornwall Food and Drink Festival at Truro's Lemon Quay, which ended yesterday, saw top chefs put their talents to the test in a giant marquee.

Dozens of producers, from ice-cream makers to brewers, bakers to butchers, showed off their wares to the hundreds of visitors.

Chef Nathan Outlaw said that the county had world-class produce to inspire generations of cooks.

He added: "I love this festival because it puts the people who create Cornwall's great food and drink in touch with those who buy and eat it."

For Andrew Endean, who runs biscuit company Furniss of Cornwall, the event helped to remind shoppers that the traditional Cornish manufacturer was still in business.

He said: "The company started in Truro more than100 years ago and over the years, our biscuits became part and parcel of Cornish life.

"Three years ago, we went into receivership and were taken over by Proper Cornish.

"An event like this is brilliant for letting customers know that we have survived and are still very much around.

"Business has been very brisk over the past few days with lots of customers stopping by.

"It's the third year in a row we've had a stand here and it gets better every time."

Meanwhile, Sarah Nicholas was busy serving a long queue of customers waiting to try the mouthwatering seafood delicacies at the Crabby Jacks stall.

The company, based at Sennen, near Land's End, has its own fishing boat – The Girl Pamela – which sails out of Newlyn.

Among other delights, the stall offered customers whole cooked crab and lobster and crab pate.

Mrs Nicolas said: "The festival has been great for attracting new retail and trade customers.

"We've had lots of inquiries from other businesses such as restaurants about our seafood. We sell good Cornish seafood, which is always popular with shoppers.

"The atmosphere over the past few days has been really excellent and we've had a good time."

Amanda Lashbrook, from Kenewek Herb Kitchen at Goonwallow, said that all three days had been "very busy".

She added: "The feedback has all been positive. People are really interested in where their food comes from and this is a chance to talk to local producers who really care about what they are selling.

"With the credit crunch, people are eating at home more and I think they appreciate traditionally made products."

There was a steady queue for food at the Little Cornish Curry Company's stand at the festival.

"This is our third year," said Louis Lewis, who runs the business with wife Nicky at Lanivet, near Bodmin. "People want to try good food and there's been a really good atmosphere in here."

Visitor Rachel Edwards, from Helston, said she had sampled food and drink from across the county.

"There is something for everyone. I've tried Cornish mead and apple juice and some fudge."

She added: "It's been really nice talking to all these producers who really know their stuff and seem so enthusiastic."

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