Buyers from all over the UK and abroad braved icy winds and snow storms to attend this year's British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) held from April 6-8 in Hall 1 of the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.

Despite a slight drop in visitor numbers on the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, visitor figures overall were up on previous years.

The organisers said around 4,000 of the UK's top buyers attended over the three days of the event.

And the success of exhibitors attracting commissions from corporate organisations and interior design houses has lead to enquiries for 2009 'coming in thick and fast' with a resultant 75 per cent of floor space already booked.

The BCTF's industry awards were presented on Monday evening, recognising the talent and creativity from both newcomers and established designer makers.

The Craftsman Craft & Design Magazine Best Newcomer Award was won by glassmaker Desire Hope, with a highly commended certificate given to jeweller Carrie Ann Black.

The Giftware Association Award for Excellence was presented to Caroline Jacques for her range of knitted handbags. Highly commended was awarded to artist Leon Evans and commended was given to Hands on Ceramics for striking animal and bird sculptures.