Visitors flock to town considered the antiques centre of the South West.

The inaugural Honiton Antiques Festival, staged last week, has been hailed a success.

Organised to coincide with National Antiques Week, the event thrust Honiton, considered the antiques centre of the South West, into the national spotlight.

Business leaders heard at a meeting of Honiton and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry that visitors from across the country had flocked to the town - attracted by a packed programme of antique-themed events.

Allhallows Museum opened out-of-season to cater for the visitors and its lace and pottery displays were popular attractions.

The festival was spearheaded by Elizabeth Chilcott, of Chilcott’s auction house, and supported by antique dealers and Honiton Town Council, as well as the chamber of commerce.