Fair helps art group (From Echo)

Fair helps art group

SHOPPERS picked up early festive bargains at a charity autumn fair in Hadleigh.

Art MInistry volunteers and customers at the fair

More than 200 people flocked to the United Reformed Church, Church Road for the Art Ministry's first pre-Christmas fundraising event .

The fair raised £200, which will help buy materials for its weekly creative classes for the blind and partially-sighted.

Visitors browsed the many stalls selling jewellery, cards and crafts, while children tried their hand at the lucky dip and face painting.

Kevin Robson, Art Ministry treasurer, said: "It was very well received.

"We had loads of people coming through the door and the designs on the kids' faces were out of this world.

"It's given us real inspiration for doing something on a bigger scale next year."

The charity, founded in 1992 by the Rev Angela Cotton and her husband, David, provides art and craft sessions for people who are mentally or physically disabled or disadvantaged.

Fresh volunteer drivers are needed to help transport blind and partially-sighted students from Southend and Castle Point to their Monday morning classes in the charity's minibus.

For more information call Mr Robson on 01702 551 519.