THE Early, Early Christmas Fair, which had to go virtual last year, raised more than £38,000 for the ABF - The Soldiers’ Charity.

The event is usually held in Tidworth but due to the pandemic had to be held online instead for very first time.

It initially ran from from Monday, September 21 to Thursday, October 1 last year but was extended and also ran over Christmas.

Items from fashion, beauty products, home and garden as well as pictures and of course Christmas related products were on offer for shoppers.

There was also virtual gin tasting and a virtual valuation with Marc Allum, from The Antiques Roadshow.

Chelsea Pensioner Colin Thackery, and winner of the 2019 Britain’s Got Talent, donated signed copies of his book.

Organisers of the event say they have been “overwhelmed” by the support receive adding that it “ will make such a huge difference to our service men, women and their families in these very difficult times, and in the future”.

The businesses involved have also been praised for their support.

Organiser Caroline Cary said “I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all you have done to help us – it was a huge learning curve, but we will come back better, stronger and calmer.”

The fair, which has been running for the past 28 years, was sponsored by General Dynamics UK Ltd, Aspire Defence Ltd and Aspire Defence Services Ltd.

This year’s event is scheduled to take place on September 28 and 29 at Tedworth Polo Park, Wiltshire.

For more information about the fair go to eecfair.org.uk