VISITORS to a Christmas fair in Portskewett were greeted by characters dressed in Victorian costume.

Around 100 people enjoyed home-made cakes, arts and craft stalls and Victorian carols at the event organised by the spiritualist church group Spiritually Speaking.

The fundraising fair was held in the Recreation Hall on Manor Way on Saturday and was the first time that the event had a theme.

Susan Blount, who organised the fair along with her husband Graham, donned a Victorian ball gown for the occasion whilst Graham was dressed as gentry.

The couple, who took over the running of the spiritualist group several years ago, praised the efforts members had made with their costumes.

She said: “We thought it would be fun to have a theme this year and were so impressed by the costumes we saw today-they were absolutely brilliant.”

“We had ladies in the kitchen dressed as maids and a chimney sweep.”

Visitors could browse 19 stalls, buy a raffle ticket and support a sponsored head shave by a member of the known known as Jaq, which raised £90.

“The hall was decorated with Christmas garlands and people enjoyed Christmas cake. We are delighted with how the day went and have decided to hold it again next year,” added Mrs Blount.

The funds raised will be donated between several local charities that include the Foodbank and Severn Area Rescue Association.