Countryside enthusiasts flocked to Henham Park near Southwold to enjoy a family day out at the annual Game and Country Fair.

Visitors came in their thousands to see dog displays, try their hand at country pursuits and browse the trade stands.

Event organiser Mark Hume from Living Heritage said: 'It's all about the countryside - people love the country and everything that goes with it.

'All the attractions have their own followers but it's really important to create a family day out.'

And one of the visitors who went along to the event, which was held on Saturday and Sunday, never misses a fair.

Bev Saunders from Dereham brought her dog Max to the event said: It's just a lovely day out. I come with all the family, there's not many places you can come and bring a dog.

'We watched the ferret racing and enjoyed that and the dog agility as well. And we just enjoy looking around the stalls. It's fantastic.'

There was plenty to interest animal lovers, with dog display teams, dog agility, chase the bunny and ferret racing throughout the weekend.

Phoenix Bird of Prey Rescue brought along some of their birds to meet members of the public and raise awareness about the charity.

Founder Jo Daffin rescues, cares for and releases wild British birds across Norfolk and Suffolk and will soon be setting up a centre in north Norfolk.

She said: 'We take in around 40 to 50 wild birds a year, although sadly not all of them can be saved, but everyone who volunteers at the rescue does it around their full time jobs and every penny raised goes towards feeding and rehabilitating the birds.

'We brought some of my captive-bred birds to meet people and the reaction has been great.'

Countryside crafts were also a big part of the event, with the popular chainsaw speed carving arena, which saw people given 30 minutes to make a sculpture, which was auctioned off afterwards.

Pole lathe turner Richard Rood demonstrated his skills crafting a range of wooden items to sell using traditional methods.

'It goes back about 2,500 to 3,000 years,' he said. 'It's important to show people the skill, it's how most people get into it, you see it for the first time and then hopefully have a go. People have been really interested at Henham.'

There was plenty to do for younger visitors, with puppet shows, children's amusements and bird displays.

And to round off the day, visitors had a choice of nationally and locally-produced cheese, baked goods, sausages and wine available at the food hall.

Are you organising a rural event? Email polly.grice@archant.co.uk