A FUNDRIAISING Christmas fair which has in the last 10 years generated about £380,000 for a children’s charity has been endorsed by a special guest with a head for business.

The NSPCC Christmas Fair as Castle Howard, in North Yorkshire, was visited by Nick Hewer from BBC 1 show the Apprentice.

The fair raised £40,250 last year but organisers hope this year will exceed that with an extra day being added to the schedule.

The fair opened on Thursday evening and will run until 3pm tomorrow (Saturday).

NSPCC Christmas Fair chairmen the Hon Harriette Murray Wells and Lady Cara Willoughby said it was always a privilege to organise an event that raises so much money for the charity – much of which stays within the Yorkshire catchment area.

Nick Hewer, who acts as an advisor to Lord Alan Sugar on The Apprentice, said he was glad to be able to attend and lend his support to the cause.

He said: “Isn’t it despicable that in 2014 in one of the largest economies in the world people should still need this charity – but thank goodness the service exists to help children in difficult circumstances.

“There are obviously some very generous people in North Yorkshire willing to donate – but equally the organisers have perfectly selected stallholder that will do well and appeal to people in this area.”

Mr Hewer praised the quality and range of gifts on display in the fair and added that he found presents for himself, his wife and his grandson.

The Hon Simon Howard said the fair had been run at Castle Howard for 14 years and was the biggest fair the NSPCC runs in the North.

“The committee works incredible hard to make it the success it is and we are very pleased to host it.”

For more information visit www.nspcc.org.uk.