A Christmas market in Newbury Park on Saturday raised around £4,000 for church funds.

Ilford Recorder: The popular Christmas Market at St Peter's. Picture posted to iwitness by Ron JeffriesThe popular Christmas Market at St Peter's. Picture posted to iwitness by Ron Jeffries (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

St Peter’s Church in Aldborough Road North hosted the event, which featured Father Christmas in a unique grotto – a tent loaned by the 1st Aldborough Hatch Scout Group.

Christmas cards and calendars, homemade cakes and preserves were the popular sellers according to church member Ron Jeffries, who said between five and six hundred people attended the event, between 10am-4pm.

“It went extremely well,” he added,

“There was lots of kids queuing for the grotto.

“The money raised will go towards church funds. St Peter’s is a 151-year-old grade two listed building, so it costs a lot to maintain.”