Show organiser Emap has reported a major upswing in visitor numbers at this year's Autumn Fair International (AFI).
Final footfall figures were up 9% on last year at 31,340, the highest attendance since 2006.

The organisers of the show, which took place at the NEC Birmingham on September 5-8, put the increase down to a major investment in marketing and ramped up promotional activity.

As well as the many buyers from leading UK independents and multiples, the show attracted a large number of international buyers from 76 countries, with 6.5% more overseas visitors attending compared with last year.

AFI managing director Louise Young said: "We raised the bar yet again for Autumn Fair this year and the result was an extremely strong transactional event for the great majority of suppliers who took part. Our exhibitors pulled out all the stops to help retailers gain that crucial edge in a competitive market."