A CHRISTMAS fair which last year raised more than £40,000 for the NSPCC is being extended to a three-day event.

The fundraiser, which is held at Castle Howard, will this year start with a preview evening on Thursday, November 6 and run through to Saturday, November 8.

Harriette Murray Wells, the new joint chairman of the NSPCC Castle Howard Christmas Fair Committee, said: “Due to the popularity of this fair we are expanding to include the Saturday which will help us raise more funds for such an important and worthwhile cause.

“Each year, we invite new high quality stalls, as well as bringing back the best sellers, but It was time to grow the fair from another angle. Expanding the shopping time was the best solution as we hope that by extending over the weekend more people will be able to attend.”

The fair, which is supported by the Howard family, will have 65 stalls on offer this year. Products sold include toys, books, jewellery, gardening, men’s and ladies’ clothes, kitchen and homeware and food and drink.

Simon Howard said: “We’re delighted to work with the NSPCC again and to announce that the fair will run over a third day.

“We look forward to welcoming a family crowd on the Saturday and for the first time we will open the playground and Lakeside cafe alongside the house, gardens and the Courtyard.”

Main sponsors this year include The Rowse Family Trust, JM Finn & Co Investment Management, TATE Residential, Rodgers of York, The Feathers hotel in Helmsley and The Orangery, Settrington.

Funds raised help provide NSPCC services for children and families in the North Yorkshire region, as well as across the UK.

For more informaton and tickets go to www.nspcccastlehowardchristmasfair.co.uk