Suffolk’s many growers and food producers came together to celebrate the fruits of the county’s harvest.

Hundreds of people linked to the farming community joined local dignitaries for the annual Suffolk Harvest Festival at St Edmundsbury Cathedral yesterday afternoon.

After several wet summers in recent years affecting crops, by contrast 2014 has seen a bumper cereals harvest.

The traditional thanksgiving service offers a chance for the community to gather and reflect in the glorious surroundings of the Bury St Edmunds cathedral, which was decorated with flowers and produce, and a display of combine harvesters and sheep created by local schoolchildren. During the service, the Suffolk Agricultural Association’s Long Service Awards were presented in recognition of the dedication and hard work of people who have devoted many years to the farming industry.

The Farming School of the Year awards were also presented. The scheme was started last year by Suffolk Agricultural Association and Cook With Me Kids to help teach children the importance of fresh food.

Anna Hill, who presents Farming Today and On Your Farm on BBC Radio 4, gave the address.

A collection was taken for the Fishermen’s Mission charity which provides emergency, practical and financial support to people associated with the fishing industry.

Following the service, tea was served in the cathedral refectory.

The Suffolk Harvest Festival is organised in conjunction with the Suffolk Agricultural Association, the National Farmers’ Union, St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Young Farmers and the Country Land and Business Association.

This year, British Sugar also had a display in the cathedral’s cloisters.

A Suffolk farmers’ market also took place throughout the day on Bury’s Angel Hill.