Hundreds of residents are eagerly anticipating the return of a school's Christmas fair.

Plume Academy is hosting the event at its Fambridge Road campus between 5pm and 8pm on Wednesday, December 5.

Last year, more than 400 visitors enjoyed browsing the handmade gifts and crafts on sale, with more than 70 stall holders taking part.

Spread across several separate halls, there will be cards, candles, photo frames, sweets, knitted items and much more.

Light refreshments will also be served throughout the evening.

Over the last four years the event had raised just over £4,000, with a percentage of the money raised donated to charities like the David Randell Foundation.

The rest of the funds have enabled the academy to improve the year nine vocational students' curriculum.

Carl Wakefield, principal of Plume Academy, said: "We are immensely proud of the hard work and dedication our year nine students have shown over quite a long period of time now and in terms of organising our annual Christmas Fayre.

"Now in its fourth year, its popularity is growing, and it genuinely seems to be going from strength to strength.

"The evening always has a great atmosphere and signals the beginning of the festive season at our academy; therefore, we very much look forward to welcoming our students, parents and carers and the community to this year’s Christmas Fayre next month.”

Stalls are available to hire by contacting Donna Harrington on D.Harrington@plume.essex.sch.uk.