CRAFTERS were in Chipping Sodbury in force to raise money in memory of a teenager who died of meningitis.

The Eye-catching Crafts and Creations fair at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall was organised by John Cosens, from Cam, in aid of Meningitis Now.

Mr Cosens, himself a carpenter who makes and sells crafts, has a family connection to Chris Pegler, who died less than 24 hours after contracting meningitis in 2010. Chris, from Wotton-under-Edge, was just 18 years old.

“I wanted to do something and I heard that a local lady who has regularly run craft fairs in aid of the charity was giving it up,” said Mr Cosens.

“I thought I can’t let them stop so I gave it a go. This was the first fair I have held and it went well, it was constant all day and on the door and with a raffle we raised £350.

“I want to say thank you to everyone who donated prizes and all the people who helped on the day.”

Mr Cosens intends to hold regular fairs, featuring new crafters, at various locations in and around the Yate area. The next one will take place on Saturday, October 1 (10am-4pm) at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall.