A CHARITY run care home raised £1,000 to help pay for some garden improvements by hosting a Christmas bazaar.

New Copford Place, in London Road, Copford, invited the community to join residents at the home, organising games, raffles, refreshments and live entertainment across a day of festive celebrations.

Children from across the area were also invited to join the fun and even had the chance to meet the big man himself at the centrepiece Santa's grotto.

A total of £1,000 was raised for the Friends of the Elderly home, which will be spent on improvements to the garden.

Donna Owen, manager of New Copford Place, said: "Our residents had such a good time and enjoyed having members of the community join the festive fun.

"The money raised will be used towards a polytunnel at the home, as we have a lot of keen gardeners who will really benefit. "Thank you to everyone who attended. The whole event made our residents’ Christmas that extra bit special.”