Bells ring out for St Peter's big fund-raising day

And well they might for across the road, every hall at the community centre '“ plus the Stable Block where Father Christmas was holding court in his grotto '“ was thronged with people.

For the past 26 years Jill Andrews, the Rector's secretary, has run the fair. This year will be her last. She is standing down from her parish post.

Jill said: "I have served four Rectors, the first being Canon Michael Townroe.

"It's ben good and I have enjoyed it but it is time to quit.

"I shall miss so many people though..."

At St Peter's the Christmas Fair is a big event, when traditionally parishoners combined their time and talents to run stalls and raise money for good causes.

Jill explained: "This year we are dividing the proceeds between three causes '“ St Michael's Church, where they are making so many church improvements; the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel and the Church Mission Society."

Features of this year's fair included not a white elephant stall but a golden elephant stall, plus cakes, jewellery, a wine tombola, Christmas crafts and gifts, household goods and, of course, a big toy stall.

A whole room was devoted to books, space for bargain hunters to browse at leisure away from the bustle of the rest of the community centre.

The fair raised 3,600.