HUNDREDS of people turned out for a Christmas fayre held in the streets of a north Suffolk town.

HUNDREDS of people turned out for a Christmas fayre held in the streets of a north Suffolk town.

Stalls were set up throughout Halesworth town centre, Father Christmas made an appearance and most shops opened for the day.

After Saturday's persistent rain and cold temperatures, Halesworth Lions, the organisers, were relieved when the weather remained dry and temperatures lifted.

During the day cheques from previous fundraising efforts were presented - £600 each to the Halesworth First Responders, Rumburgh First responders and Halesworth Community Nursing Fund and £1,200 to Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The fayre was the third fundraising event of the year for Halesworth Lions, following the Wings and Wheels event at Henham in May and the local carnival in June, which together bring in about £14,000 annually.

John Wood, spokesman for the organising committee, said he was very happy with the day's activities. Fifty-five raffle prizes had been donated by Halesworth businesses.

“It is so generous. People in the Halesworth area are brilliant - we really value the way they support us,” he said.

Yesterday's event - presided over by the Winter Queen, Abi Wright and her princess, Shelby Cunningham - is expected to have raised £1,200 for charitable causes.