MORE than 2,000 visitors basked in the sunshine at a ruined priory yesterday, as part of an annual picnic.

Saturday's glorious weather helped attract more people to Gisborough Priory than last year, when the event was scaled down due to torrential rain.

This year, visitors brought picnic hampers, tables and took advantage of free entry to the Priory and neighbouring woodland to enjoy the sunshine, bands, craft stalls, cakes and teas.

The start of the event was heralded with drummers Ee By Drum leading a procession from Guisborough Market Place to the Priory and music continued through the day with the Gypsy Swing Band and the Cleveland Ukelele Band.

There was a treasure trail, face painter, archery, a mini railway and children's crafts as well as creatures from Kirkleatham Owl Centre, woodworking demonstrations, a karate demonstration, mini railway and have-a-go circus skills.

The event is one of several arranged each year by the Gisborough Priory Project, a charity made up of volunteers who work in the priory's woodland gardens to make them more accessible to the local community.

Secretary Ann Roe said: "It could not have been better. The weather was so beautiful and people turned up with big picnic hampers and picnic tables and just spent the day enjoying the sunshine and the music and displays. We've been going with the event a few years now so people know what to expect . "Last year, we had to cancel so much of the event because of the torrential rain so it was good that the weather was kind to us."