THE third Benwick Dickensian Market kick-started Christmas in the village and invited curious customers and spectators to share in the festive spirit.

North East Cambs MP Steve Barclay opened Saturday’s event, which featured an array of stalls and entertainment including a falcon display, hog roast and puppet show, with Santa himself taking a break from Christmas preparations and delighting the children.

The themed annual occasion was set up by Benwick Residents Association to raise funds and invest back into the community. It celebrates Charles Dickens’ era and books.

The day exceeded association secretary Lynn Keppel-Spoor’s great expectations. She said: “It was a great day and very successful. Everybody enjoyed it and we were glad that we did it.”

The money raised will help fund future events for the community to enjoy and the association hopes to put together another Dickensian Market during the spring, in the hope of missing the chill that plagued this year’s event.