ONE Fat Lady got proceedings off to a sizzling start when a North-East shopping fair was held yesterday.

The annual two-day Durham Shopping Extravaganza, at the Ramside Hall Hotel, was opened by television chef Clarissa Dickson Wright.

The event, which will take place again today from 10am to 4pm, is organised each year by a charity committee.

This year, there are more than 50 stalls selling items such as clothing, jewellery, plants, gardening goods and a range of foodstuffs.

As well as opening the event, Miss Dickson Wright will be signing and selling copies of two of her books, called The Greener Life and Game.

The chef is accompanied by her agent, Isabel Rutherford, who is selling Christmas cakes, which were recently featured in Tatler magazine. Charity committee member Marion Pennie said she had been delighted to welcome Miss Dickson Wright, who is staying with her.

This year, the proceeds from the event will be shared by three charities - the local branch of Mind, Place2Be (a charity for abused children) and the Sick Children's Fund, at Newcastle's RVI.

Organisers are hoping to raise more than £20,000.