A CHRISTMAS market has raised more than £2,500 for charity.

The Rotary Club of Hadleigh Castle annual market, held at the Old Fire Station, received dozens of visitors including Castle Point Mayor Steven Cole, MP Rebecca Harris and the Rotary District Governor Terry Dean and his wife Pauline.

Stalls included hand-made products, cakes, sweets, jewellery, arts and crafts and Christmas-themed goodies, games included Guess How Many Balloons in The Car and a Win a Bottle of Wine stall and refreshments were provided by the Rotary members and Giggly Pig.

A spokesman for the club, which was helped on the day by the 1st Hadleigh Scouts, said: “Everyone had a great time, from the youngsters queuing to see Santa in his Grotto to the adults shopping for that special Christmas gift.

“Santa Claus was present all day in his grotto, excited children queued up and parents were delighted that Santa had spent his time in Hadleigh, when he has such a busy schedule.

“A choir from Hadleigh Junior School started the day off, followed by dancing by Starlight Dance Works.

“In the afternoon children and adults with learning difficulties - trained by David Stanley with his amazing Music Man Project - entertained us with their band, playing a fun and fantastic line-up of Christmas songs.

“The end of the day was awash with the Yardarm Folk Orchestra singing shanties.”

Pat Read, the President of Hadleigh Rotary Club, added that the day had been fantastic.

The profits from the day - around £2,500 - will go to local children’s projects and Rotary charities.