A DAY centre and residential home in Stinchcombe was filled with festive cheer on Saturday for its Christmas fair.

Held annually, Yercombe Lodge’s event always proves a big hit and this year’s was no exception.

With a range of crafts and cakes made by users of the centre amongst a host of stalls and a raffle, £1,200 was raised to help fund outings and other improvements.

Santa Claus also took time out of his busy schedule to hold a grotto at the weekend’s fair.

Teraza Bingle, manager at Yercombe Lodge, said that the day had gone fantastically and been brilliant for the centre’s users.

“We hold a Christmas fair and one in the summer each year,” she told the Gazette. “The money we raise will help us fund more outings and other improvements.

“The events help to raise awareness of the work that we do but they are also great fun for everyone here – including staff.”

Preparation work for Saturday’s event began in July and in the months leading up to it, a wide variety of festive crafts were prepared for sale.

“It’s great for our users because it’s something they can do independently but it’s also something that we love as staff.

“We’ll now give ourselves a month off before we start planning for the summer event.”

Yercombe Lodge is a day centre for elderly people and people with disabilities providing a wide range of activities for its 35 regular attendees.