Wantage Comrades Club has launched a special Christmas market for the first time to encourage residents to shop locally.

The club, based in Newbury Street, will be hosting the open, festive-themed market next Saturday (November 18) from 11am to 3pm.

In addition to refreshments such as tea, coffee, cake and mulled wine there will be a range of local traders and stalls for those wishing to attend to browse.

Stalls will include pebble art, homemade wreaths, jewellery, face painting and an enchanted garden.

There will also be a raffle with prizes from every trader present on the day up for grabs.

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Marie North, bar manager at the club, said: “The 10 members on our committee decided at a recent meeting that the club should host a market with lots of local traders to help spread the word that we’re here for people. There will be something for everyone on offer.

“We’ve already had lots of interest as we’re spreading the word around town. This event is open to everyone – you don’t have to be a member. If everything goes well, we’d love to run more market events in the future.

“We run plenty of other open functions throughout the year too such as carveries, bingo every Sunday and themed nights like rock and roll and sixties which are open to everyone too.

"We’re always open for new members to join us.”