THE streets of Kirkby Lonsdale were awash with top hats and tails as the Victorian Fair made a welcome return after a year's absence.

Last year the event had to be cancelled due to foot-and-mouth but this year craft demonstrations, stalls, fancy dress and entertainers were out in full force thanks to a renewed community effort and determination of organisers to bring the event back to its "authentic" roots.

Kirkby Lonsdale Victorian Fair chairman Paul Broadbent said: "We wanted to keep a tight grip on the stalls and entertainment to make sure it had an authentic feel."

Mr Broadbent said stalls selling jewelry and replica items had been shunned in favour of stalls demonstrating crafts such as rag rug making, iron work and rope makers.

Visitors from as far afield as Scotland, London and Yorkshire travelled to the fair thanks to a nationwide PR campaign by event organisers.

"We took the view that we were starting from scratch after last year's event was cancelled - we needed to build up publicity.

It went very well, we were back with a bang," said Mr Broadbent.

Entertainment including stilt walkers, acrobats, Morris Dancers and Punch and Judy kept visitors occupied while a Gilbert and Sullivan evening at the Kirkby Lonsdale Institute on Saturday saw everyone enjoying an old time music hall performance.

Mr Broadbent said, although it was difficult to estimate visitor numbers, proceeds were up on 2000's takings and would be distributed between local charities.

"There was more community involvement than ever before and the feedback we got from people was that they wanted that to remain in the future.

It is the rallying round of the community that has really impressed us," he said.