THE spirit of Christmas was ignited at a special festive fair in Colchester.


Headway Essex, which cares for the survivors of brain injuries and their families, held its first Christmas fair in the Culver Square shopping centre at the weekend.


Stallholders sold unique, handmade gifts, festively-themed sweet displays, mulled ciders and Christmas wreaths.


Mr and Mrs Christmas attended and gave children gifts and entertainers - including stiltwalkers and the Colchester Operatic Society - delighted the crowds on Saturday.
 

Brightlingsea Junior School choir sang carols to add to the festive spirit.


Headway Essex fundraising manager Joanne Hockey said: "It was a fantastic event.
"It was the first time we had held the fair and it was really successful.


"We had a wonderful atmosphere. All the stallholders said they would like to come back again next year."


Wilkinson's donated the gifts for Father Christmas which meant all profits could go to the charity.


In total, the event raised more than £1,700 for the care and rehabilitation of brain injury sufferers.