Hospice Christmas Fair returned to the Villa on Saturday and crowds filled the Royal Hall.

The event, opened by Hospice president, yhe Venerable Brian Partington, was more popular than ever, as crowds enjoyed browsing about 60 stalls, representing island businesses and crafters, Hospice shops and Hospice volunteers. Many of the stallholders found themselves completely out of stock over the afternoon.

The Hospice shops’ stalls proved especially popular, as did the renowned hampers, cakes, preserves and confectionery made and sold by Hospice volunteers.

Alongside the stalls there was entertainment from pianist Eddie Beard, Hospice young ambassador Alexandra Slater and traditional carols sung by the Hospice choir.

The star attraction, making a special visit to the fair, was Father Christmas, who met the children in his winter wonderland grotto.

Tickets also went on sale for a draw to win a Nissan car. There are still tickets available at all Hospice shops and Athol Garage for the draw which will take place on December 26.

Hospice chief executive Anne Mills said: ’I would like to thank everyone involved in making the day such a huge success. We raised just over £11,000, which will go a long way to supporting people in our community to live well, their way, to the end of their lives.

’On behalf of the staff, board of governors, patients, families and volunteers I would like to wish everybody in our community peace and calm this Christmas time.’