MORE than a thousand people flocked to a festival celebrating local produce - and helped raise more cash for our Guardian Angels campaign.

The Galtres Festival, which was held at Sutton Park, near York, on Saturday, raised more than £5,000 for several local charities, including our Guardian Angels appeal for a new high dependency unit at York Hospital children's ward.

Visitors enjoyed listening to 12 different Yorkshire bands, drank 50 different local beers and ciders, and ate their way through a locally reared and roasted Ox.

There was plenty for children to do as well, with a children's play park, face painting and story telling.

Paddy Harrop, one of the organisers of the event, said: "It was a fantastic day with lots of families there. I think everybody who turned up had a really good time. It's been a huge success which has hopefully raised more than £5,000 for charity."

The event was sponsored by local businesses, including Langleys solicitors of York.

Beneficiaries also include the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, St Monica's Hospital in Easingwold, the Community Care Association, and two village groups.