GLORIOUS weather came to Ramsbottom for the first day of the town’s chocolate festival this weekend.

The well-known, fun-filled family event including a chocolate themed market with artisan chocolatiers and bakers, went down a storm.

As well as the chocolate, there was entertainment, a children's area with face painting, family fun area, al fresco dining, and local craft and food stalls.

And the traders enjoyed themselves too. Carla Quan-Soon, from Magnificent Marshmallows, in the Lake District, said: “We'll definitely be back next year, especially if the weather is as good as this.”

And Bart Thomas, from Ridiculously Rich by Alana, in Aberystwyth, Wales, said: “Business has been good. The sun creates its own challenges.

“I'm staying in Ramsbottom overnight in an air BandB.”

Liz Crabtree, a volunteer at Sue Ryder's shop on Bridge Street said: “It's much better with the food at the bottom of the hill and the chocolate stalls in Bridge Street.

“Last year it was mad and you couldn't move, but it's much more pleasant this year. My manager always puts the Delia Smith chocolate recipe books in the window for the occasion.”

Nicki Jaques, from the Sawley Kitchen, said: “It's been lovely, a fabulous experience. Perhaps slightly quieter, easier for people to get around than last year. A better customer experience.”

Throughout town it is business as usual for the wide range of independent shops and cafes.

The event runs until 5pm this afternoon and again tomorrow from 10am to 4pm.

There is limited free parking in the town centre and so organisers are urging visitors to use the park and ride service from Woodhey High School – for £2 you can leave your car there all day and use the free shuttle bus.