A TWO-day Christmas fair set to attract thousands of people is taking place this weekend.

About 65 stallholders will be setting up at Poplars Garden Centre, in Shincliffe, near Durham, today and tomorrow.

The event will also include reindeer, a visit from Santa, wreath making and a raffle in aid of St Cuthbert's Hospice, Durham.

Director Caroline Walker said: “We seem to attract more and more fabulous stallholders from across the North-East each year, and visitor numbers last year were at record levels.

"The excitement of Christmas is building and we hope that families will have a wonderful Christmas weekend with us, and enjoy meeting Santa and his reindeer."

Last year the event raised more than £500 for the hospice, which is based in the city.

The garden centre also donates trees to St Cuthbert's, and hosts a clothes bank to help collect donations for it.

The marquee will be open from 11am to 4pm both today and tomorrow.

Admission into the marquee is £2.50, and is free for children.