TIME has finally been called on event that has showcased the very best of local produce for the last 14 years.

The Dales Festival of Food and Drink has been held in Leyburn every May since 2002 and become a local tradition.

However the team behind the event, which attracted thousands of visitors each year, have now pulled the plug on it.

The news was broken at a social gathering of volunteers at Harmby village hall by the chair of the Leyburn and Mid-Wensleydale Partnership, Dame Diana Brittan.

“It is with sadness here at this celebration that I have to tell you there will not be a festival in 2016 for a variety of reasons,” she said.

“For 14 years from an idea by Ann and Gerald Hodgson along with Margaret and Keith Knight who started in those early pioneering days in the Market Place, we have provided a genuine social enterprise and much to be proud of.

“The festival has helped many new producers and seen businesses develop; not forgetting over £200,000 given to local community causes.

“It has been a remarkable achievement.”

It is understood that visitor figures – while still in their thousands – have fallen in recent years.

And rising costs together with competition from other food events - many of which do not make an admission charge - have made the event unviable.

Vice-chair John Smith said the board had considered financial losses made in the last two festivals, the lessening of its popularity and the efforts required by the “inevitably ageing” organisers.

He added: “Accordingly, we unanimously decided that we would no longer continue with the Festival as we had organised it.

“We do not do this without a tinge of sorrow and regret - the festival has been part of our and Leyburn's life for 14 years, and our withdrawal will leave a gap for many of us.”

Festival co-founder Ann Hodgson said: "I am proud of the achievements of the Dales Festival of Food and Drink which has brought many thousands of people to Leyburn and Wensleydale and raised over £200,000 for local good causes.

“Importantly, it has also been the launch pad for a number of small food producers who have subsequently grown and prospered to the benefit of the area."