A MOUTH-WATERING array of culinary delights drew crowds to the streets of Banbury at the weekend with the return of the annual food fair.

For one day only, Market Place was transformed into a bustling foodies' paradise as more than 100 traders from Oxfordshire and beyond lined the cobbles with stalls.

Gourmet burgers, spicy curries on fragrant rice and jerk chicken were on offer throughout Saturday along with sweet treats including cupcakes and home-made ice cream.

Among those keen to capitalise on the event were Witney bakers Tim and Annette Bennett, thought to be the last last producer of Banbury Cakes from a 17th century recipe.

Mr Bennett, 62, said: "It's going really well. We love it here and obviously making Banbury Cakes gives us a good angle.

"They are very popular but it's about finding the outlets; Eccles cakes have got the whole thing tied up."

Dave Mills, who set up his American-inspired Big Dave's Barbecue Shack two years ago, was the first to arrive in the town and by 12pm was serving up sizzling sausages from Carpenter's butchers in Warmington. He said: "I was up very early and got my stall set up in the rain.

"I worked in catering for a long time, went to university and wanted to work for myself. Making people happy with food is what it's all about."

Visitors and families agonised over what delicious cuisine to sample for lunch, with queues for churros and pizza from The Oxfordshire Pizza Company particularly long.

Masterchef contestants Andrew Scott and Nick Bennett held a live cookery demonstration featuring tuna tartare before a packed audience at Banbury Town Hall.

Away from the clamour of a nearby demonstration for the Horton General Hospital, Banbury MP Victoria Prentis also ventured over for a bite to eat, tweeting afterwards that she had "thoroughly enjoyed" the afternoon.

The event was organised by Banbury Town Council and took place at the same time as horticultural extravaganza the Banbury Flower & Produce Show.

Traders Bruce Young and Martha Kibaris, of Witney-based condiments firm Shaken Oak, said the event had never failed yet to pull in the crowds.

Mr Young said: "This is the fourth time we've been here. We've been lucky over the years with the weather and it's a nice crowd."