HALSTEAD'S Christmas fair has been hailed a huge success by organisers.

The town's chamber of commerce drafted in a huge array of special stalls at Weavers Court selling a range of goods giving shoppers the chance to stock up on Yuletide treats such as wooden toys, seasonal tipples, homemade gifts and festive food.

Santa Claus was the VIP guest at Townsford Mill and youngsters had the chance to write their Christmas wish-lists for him at the library.

The Hedingham Singers also entertained visitors to the centre.

Chamber of commerce chairman Mark Jeffrey said: "It's gone really well. I think we had bigger footfall than last year when the weather was rubbish.

"This is the first year I've been chairman and we've had more stalls and entertainment than we have in the past, with stilt walkers, a choir, solo singer, morris men, a magician, balloon artist and caricaturist.

Halstead Gazette:

  • Chamber of commerce chairman Mark Jeffrey

"We've got our annual general meeting in January and then we start planning for next year's event.

"We've got six people who do everything on the day and leading up to it which is amazing, so if anyone wants to volunteer or help out next year it would be much appreciated because it is a lot to do for just six people."