Crowds at a 17th-century north Norfolk hall were buzzing yesterday (Wednesday) during its third annual Honey Fair, aimed at celebrating the sweet food.

The free, family-friendly event was held at Felbrigg Hall and included stalls selling food, drink, hand cream, beekeeping equipment, and other items made from bee by-products.

Fiona Lilley, visitor services manager of Felbrigg Hall, said more than 2,000 visitors attended the fair and she believed its success would grow year on year.

'It went very well and it was very successful,' she said. 'It is an event we see growing and growing and it has become widespread - more and more people are aware of bees now and use natural products.'

The fair also focused on highlighting the plight of the bee and aimed to make people aware that the bee population needs to be improved as a decline would have a knock-on effect on all animals and crops, including cattle and cereals.

Miss Lilley added: 'We also had a free bug-hunting session for children that went down well with them. An activity like this helps to get children involved with nature.'

Felbrigg Hall has kept bees in the walled garden for around eight years and currently has 11 hives with each one containing around 50,000 bees.

• For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/felbrigg-hall.