THERE was plenty of festive cheer at Smithills Fellowship’s Christmas market.

Residents braved the cold weather to pack the streets surrounding Redcar Road in Smithills, over the weekend.

The event, which is in its third year, was organised by Smithills Fellowship to raise money for charity Urban Outreach.

Stall holders made a variety of hot foods including paella, curries, pulled pork rolls and hotdogs which were all washed down with a selection of hot drinks to the sound of joyful carol singers.

Meanwhile an array of gifts including handcrafted Christmas wreaths, tree decorations and jewellery were also on sale.

Lead organisers of the event, John and Adele Platt, said: “Last year’s Christmas market was such a great success that the residents insisted that we made this a local tradition.

“We introduced the market on a smaller scale two years ago, but this year we had even more food, crafts, carol singers, musicians and volunteers than ever.”

As well as the stalls there was a ‘guess the weight of the two live turkeys’ competition and the man in red, Father Christmas himself, arrived early to give out surprise presents to young children.

Dave Bagley, chief executive of Urban Outreach was there to support the event, which raised more than £3,000 for the charity.

The Christian charity helps disadvantaged and vulnerable adults and young people in Bolton.

Mr Bagley said: “The heart of Christmas is always found on the smile of a child’s face, a present waiting to be opened, a gift from God and spirit in the community.”