AN OPEN event at an historic attraction attracted a record-breaking attendance.

The annual Open Doors event at Y Dolydd, Llanfyllin Workhouse drew at least 500 people to sample the food fair and a varied programme of activities.

Entry was free, but the event raised around 700 for the Master’s House Appeal, which is looking for funds to restore the deteriorating building.

On arrival visitors were offered a bowl of Workhouse Gruel before moving on to more appetising fare.

A spo0kesman said: "The Venue and Women’s Yard were filled with stalls offering local produce from sausages to fudge as well as foods from around the world.

"Those wanting lunch were spoilt for choice. Stallholders were well satisfied with the footfall and did a good trade."

Mayor of Llanfyllin, Cllr Simon Baynes, opened the event and hailed Y Dolydd's the positive impact on the town.

Cllr Baynes also urged all those who attended the event to support the appeal for the Master’s House.

Meanwhile, in the gallery people could hear the gentle tones of John Browne’s harp while admiring Sally Duckers’ snow-covered local scenes; landscapes and illustrations by Connor and Harriet Lee-Merrion and Cordelia Weedon’s photographs of Dolen Ffermio’s mission in Uganda.

The studios of artist Liz Neal, leather worker Jo Heard and textile upcycler Izzi Zahorik were open to view.

Visitors could take a historical tour or watch a presentation of the striking progress made in renovating the building since 2004.

The film Ghosts of the Workhouse ran continuously in the History Centre. Community organisations like Llanfyllin Men’s Shed – now based at Y Dolydd – and the RSPB were also represented.

In the Boys’ Yard Zarena Allan, who had arranged the food fair, demonstrated the Secrets of Sourdough, and the product was used by a group of children and adults to make pizzas in Y Dolydd’s traditional cob oven.

Oswestry Jazz Orchestra gave a rousing performance, and

the day was rounded off by Café Lola, led by the chairman of the Preservation Trust, Iris Gordijn, with their blend of Klezmer and cabaret. Zarena and the Trust are already planning for next year’s event.