Last updated at 11:22, Monday, 14 June 2010

VISITORS to this year’s Fell Gather were treated to a surprise visit from ex-Coronation Street actor Sean Wilson.

• VIDEO: Highlights from Fell Gather 2010

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More than 2,500 people turned out to the annual event at Mitchells Lakeland Livestock Centre, sponsored by Jennings Brewery, to celebrate local farming and crafts and were delighted to see Mr Wilson, who played Martin Platt in the ITV soap.

Mr Wilson said he started The Saddleworth Cheese Company, which produces a range of Lancashire cheeses because there were very few companies that still handmade the type of cheese.

“I started making the cheese because I am a big foody and because there were very few companies that still made handmade Lancashire cheese.

"The majority of Lancashire cheese you find in the supermarkets today is mass produced,” he said.

John Hope, 34, of Keswick said: “It’s great to see a celebrity at the event today supporting Cockermouth. I’ve tasted some of his cheese and it was really delicious.”

The crowds were also entertained with a gundog display by Muncaster Gundog Group.

The group, which was new to the event this year, did demonstrations with labradors, spaniels and retrievers.
Cathy Millar, deputy vice chairman, said: “It is great to be here and our first time at the show.

"It is always nice to be able to show people what gundogs are bred for and the hard work that goes into training them.”

More than 80 stalls featured country organisations, rural craft demonstrations and local food, drink and craft producers including Jennings Brewery, Bitter End Brewing Co, Wordsworth House, The Lake District Cheese Company, Johnstone Beads of Maryport, Fieldside Preserves of Keswick and The West Cumbrian Woodturners, of Dearham.

There were also displays from the local emergency services and volunteer organisations such as the Maryport Inshore Rescue Boat and Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team.

Allison Saayman, 39, of Windmill Lane Cockermouth, was at the event with her two daughters Esme, five, and Leah, four.

“I just think it is a lovely day out for the children and an insight into what goes on in the community. And the children get to learn about the animals and see how local produce is made,” she said.

Nicola Laws, of Setmurthy, said: “I’ve got my two grandsons with me today.

"It is great for the children because they can come and touch the animals and it is a great opportunity for them to see what goes on in the countryside.”
 

First published at 11:06, Monday, 14 June 2010
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk