The sound of hunting dogs and shotguns rang out during the world's biggest festival dedicated to life in the British countryside.

More than 140,000 hunting enthusiasts, conservationists and food lovers visited the three-day Country Land and Business Association Game Fair At Belvoir Castle at the weekend.

Visitors were invited to experience every aspect of country life from sport and food to art and animals.

From the moment the gates opened on Friday, the echoes of gunfire could be heard ringing out across the grounds as participants took part in a variety of shooting competitions.

Visitor David Murray, 35, from Stoney Stanton, said it was wonderful to have such a major country sporting event so close to home.

He said: "From the moment you arrive until the moment you leave all you can hear is shotgun fire.

"It's a marvellous festival and there's something here for everybody."

Visitors also took part in archery, fishing and climbing in the warm mid-summer sun.

John Russell, from Cosby, was inspired to buy his 13-year-old son Kyle a miniature bow and arrow set and a fishing rod.

John, 47, said: "Today has been fantastic, there's so much to do and see, Kyle has been constantly on the go wanting to try different things."

The event, spread over 500 acres, included Gunmakers Row, displaying hunting and sporting rifles, the Pimms and Champagne Bar, members of the Kennel Club and a British Food Village.

Dickinson and Morris, which runs Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe, in Melton, showed off its award-winning Game Pie.

Managing director Stephen Hallam also gave a cookery demonstration and spoke about the heritage of the Melton Mowbray pork pie.

He said: "It would almost be rude for us not to be here, when a festival of this size comes to Leicestershire people expect the best food and drink."

Organisers had been worried the credit crunch might have kept people away or stopped them spending.

However, Fiona Eastman, director of marketing for the event, said: "Our exhibitions have reported excellent business. I'm happy to say the event has been a great success."

Former Tory cabinet member Lord Tebbit signed copies of his new book of game recipes, The Game Cook.

He said: "It's a great place with a fantastic atmosphere. Everywhere you look there are well behaved dogs and children."

The weekend's festivities were the 51st annual Country Land and Business Association Game Fair in the UK.

It was held in the grounds of Belvoir Castle on the 500th Anniversary of the Duke of Rutland's residence at the estate.

The first Game Fair was held in Cambridge, in 1958.