A HAMPSHIRE town saw thousands of visitors flock to its streets for the sixth annual Alresford Watercress Festival this week.

Despite heavy rain up to 10,000 people flocked to the Georgian town to enjoy live music, street entertainment, children's cookery workshops and face painting.

The highlight of the free event was the festival Cavalcade which saw a horse and cart followed by a procession of Morris dancers, musicians and street entertainers.

The festival also saw the return of the 'World Watercress Eating Championships' which was won by Alresford resident Gleen Walsh after devouring two 50g bags of watercress in just 57 seconds.

Wendy Akers, a spokesman for the festival, said: "There was water everywhere but we still had a fantastic turnout."

The celebration brought together local businesses and the community with food demonstrations from Hampshire food chef of the year Andy MacKenzie and head pastry chef Mark Tilling.