Hundreds of visitors soaked up the sun and learned a thing or two when the annual Spring Craft and Food Fair opened at Sandringham yesterday (Friday).

The emphasis this year is on live demonstrations and the royal estate was packed with craftsmen and artists keen to give people an insight into their work - and let them have a go themselves.

A host of disciplines from glass blowing and wood turning to falconry were on display, while mouthwatering local produce could be sampled in the food marquee.

Organiser Marge Needham said there were plenty of hands-on activities for visitors to try, including a twice-daily painting school with artist and instructor Paul Bryant.

'We have the traditional stalls that people know and love, but also a few new ones,' she added. 'Ferret racing is always very popular, so that should be really good over the weekend.'

The three-day event, run by Living Heritage, usually attracts up to 10,000 visitors.

It continues from 10am to 6pm today (Saturday) and tomorrow. Admission costs �6 for adults, �5.50 for pensioners and �2 for children.