SEAFOOD lovers feasted on mouth-watering molluscs at the 12th annual Oyster Festival.

More than 10,000 people flocked to Hope Square in Weymouth yesterday to enjoy three and a half tonnes of organic oyster meat, specially harvested from the Fleet Lagoon.

The festival, which is sponsored by Abbotsbury Oysters, Brewers Quay and the Excise House pub, has become a firm fixture in Weymouth's summer season, with tourists and residents alike thronging to sample the delicacies.

Organisers said there were bumper crowds this year because the event was staged over jubilee weekend.

But with most of the town cheering on the England football squad in their opening World Cup match against Sweden during the morning, organisers admitted the initial turn-out was low.

Brewers Quay marketing manager Sue Foot said: "There was definitely a slow start to the day and we'd put that down to the football match.

"But after the game had finished everybody came out to party."

She added: "Due to the good weather and the jubilee weekend the event was extremely successful and everyone had a marvellous time."

Visitors to the festival found top chefs from the town's Swansons Restaurant preparing gourmet recipes in open-air cooking demonstrations, which showcased the versatility of the shellfish.

Swansons chef Jason Hall, who was among the stall holders who brought a television to the festival to watch the England match, said that oysters could be served in a variety of gourmet creams and sauces.

Oyster farmer Major Peter Hoare explained the popularity of oysters and as well as being an aphrodisiac he recommended the shellfish for healthy hearts because they contain omega 3 oils.

There was an oyster-eating competition where contestants had to eat six molluscs and a tub of ice cream in the quickest time, while children were kept entertained with fairground rides, face painters and Keeko the Clown. Grown-ups, meanwhile, tried their luck on the tombola and sampled a pint and some live music courtesy of local bands Blueriff and Trouble in Mind.

The event was complimented by a farmers' market featuring the best in organic produce from across Dorset.

Visitors said they had a great time and Martin Syvret, site manager at Abbotsbury Oysters said his staff were kept busy all day serving customers.

Graham Casdell, 55, of Preston, Weymouth, said: "I visit the festival with my family every year because the food is locally produced and it's the best in the world."

Mick Felton, 48, who was with his wife Robbie, 62, said: "I am a big fan of seafood, especially oysters."

Howard Pritchard, 76, from Porthcawl in South Wales, was on his fifth visit.

He said: "My wife and I would not miss this for the world."