LORD Shuttleworth returned to his family home at Gawthorpe Hall to open the Parish of West Burnley's Edwardian garden party and craft fair.

The welcome signalled the start of a sun-filled day which brought more than 3,000 visitors to the fund-raising event.

Charity stalls, crafts exhibits and demonstrations, vintage cars and music on the lawn, provided by Burnley Alliance junior silver band, were all part of the attractions.

There was a ball pool and bouncy castle for the kids and an all-day pig roast.

The event continued the long-lasting link between All Saints Church, Habergham and Gawthorpe which started with the Shuttleworth and Dugdale families putting up the cash to build the church 150 years ago.

Last year's first garden party, a Victorian Day, attracted 2,000 people and made £2,000 for church funds.

Event co-ordinator Marjorie Forester reckons the Edwardian event will do even better. "We could not have hoped for a better day," she said.