THOUSANDS of visitors flocked to Skipton Auction Mart to see the paintings and crafts on display at the 11th annual Art in the Pen exhibition.

More than 3,200 people went along to see and buy a huge variety of work by artists and craftspeople, which included photography, glasswork, textiles, recycled materials, watercolours, prints, woodwork, metal, jewellery, glass and ceramics, in a broad range of techniques and mediums.

Almost 200 artists had works on show at the informal exhibition, which sees the cattle pens transformed into miniature galleries for the weekend to showcase local and national artists.

Artist director Andy Lynan, one of the organisers, said the latest event, which started in 2005, had proved hugely successful.

He said: "The positive feedback from visitors has been overwhelming with some stating it has been the best arts and craft fair they have visited

"Several artists have stated that their sales over the weekend have been the best ever and many have been approached by agents, businesses and customers offering commissions.

"Art in the Pen will be back next year on Saturday Sunday August 12 and 13. But if you can't wait till then we have our newer event Crafts in the Pen coming to Skipton Auction Mart on November 19 and 20 - cattle pens are a lot colder at that time of year so dress warm!"