AN ALL-DAY Christmas Gift and Craft Fayre will be held in Ilkley next weekend.

The free-to-enter annual event will feature everything from seasonal music and stalls to magic shows and children's entertainment, and takes place at the Kings Hall on Sunday, November 22.

Running from 10am to 4pm, the extravaganza will raise money for Otley-based children's charity Hang on to a Dream.

Organiser and Otley Town Councillor Nigel Francis (Ind, Danefield), who chairs the charity, is looking forward to another fun-packed day - but has been saddened by the reaction of some residents.

He said: "Most people enjoy the show and we have had many people praising us for bringing along ‘a free show’ at this time of year.

"We have been delighted with the response from the vast majority of local people, but find it hard when the odd person is rude when we deliver leaflets promoting the event.

"We even had one very upsetting e-mail from someone who made it clear they deem our work and leaflets as ‘junk mail’!

"This was in very poor taste as we have helped stage experiences for more than 100 young people, some of whom have now passed away.

"I am only pleased that the vast majority of people support us and our work and, as long as we are able, we shall carry on."

A few tables are still available for stallholders - anyone interested in booking one should contact Coun Francis by calling (01943) 463467 or sending an e-mail to nigelfrancis@btinternet.com .