SHOPPERS looking for unusual Christmas gifts were out in force on Saturday when a Michaelmas fair was held to raise money for charity.

The Corn Exchange in Devizes was full of festive treats and other artisan goods for the fair organised by St John's Church fundraising group Omnes Ad Unum.

The £3,000 raised will go to Julia's House, Devizes Opportunity Centre, Canon's House, Wiltshire Young Carers the Countryside Centre and St John's Church. The £1 entrance fee is to be donated to PHAB.

One of the organisers Marjie Pook said: "It was a great success. We raised nearly £3000 from the church stalls and money that stall holders paid for their tables. 

"We had a marvellous raffle and winners have been told they can collect from the Parish office this week. 

"Stall holders were pleased with the foot fall, and the church stalls did very  well. 

"There was a great variety of goods on sale and a steady flow of shoppers." 

Organisers were also keen to promote their Christmas tree festival which this year will be part of commemorations to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Marjie Pook from fundraising group said: "This year 2018, we are very conscious of the one hundred years since the end of the First World War.

"To this end we are dedicating some of the trees in our festival to those who served in that world conflict.

"For anyone who would like to place a commemoration to a relative or friend who served in WW1, we will add these to a specially dedicated group of trees in the churchyard.

"Each tree will carry several memories and messages. They will be lit with white lights, and placed in the churchyard from the start of our Tree Festival on December 8 through to Twelfth Night."

People are asked to make a donation for each message and this cash will go to the Royal British Legion.

The festival will also be a chance to have other memorial trees for loved ones. These trees can be bought for a £30 donation and will have coloured lights.

Money raised by the tree festival will go to the same causes as the Michaelmas fair.

Mrs Pook said: "The Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s Church has become part of our Christmas calendar and is into its fourth year. We are delighted to be welcoming Claire Perry MP once again to judge the trees."

She will be at the church on December 8 from 2pm. Organisers are also calling on people to become involved in decorating and sponsoring the 70 trees in the church.

Sponsorship costs £30 and there will be prizes for the best decorated trees. To become involved email marjiepook@gmail.com or contact the parish office on admin@stjohnwithstmary.org.uk