The annual CraftAbility fundraiser is coming to Thaxted this weekend to support people in Uttlesford with physical disabilities.

The fair is open from 10am on Saturday, November 26 at 6, Dunmow Road, opposite Thaxted Tennis Club.

A host of crafts and gifts will be on sale, just in time for Christmas, including jigsaws, books and puzzles, plants and homeware and gift items.

Items will also be on sale which have been made by members of CraftAbility - including items which have been knitted or sewn, tapestry and larger items, and items specially for Christmas.

Refreshments and snacks will be on offer, and this year there will be a wine stall with wines to try, taste and buy, run by Joseph Barnes from Saffron Walden. The cake stall is also back by popular demand.

A raffle will be held in partnership with a number of local businesses, cafés, pubs and restaurants.

The group usually hosts its annual fundraising event in late November, but this is the first to be held in two years due to the pandemic.

CraftAbility - which is the working title of the Centre for the Disabled in Thaxted -provides free creative activities for people in and around Uttlesford living with physical disabilities.

Users visit the centre twice weekly to foster social networking opportunities through a range of supervised activities, which include chair caning, knitting, quilting, basket making, sewing and other crafts.

In addition, the group holds lunches, outings and a special celebratory meal at Christmas. They work in collaboration with Uttlesford Community Travel to ensure the centre is accessible to all.

CraftAbility trustee Adam Van den Buss said: "Since becoming a trustee its been amazing to see how much we are able to offer, help and support our members.

"The setting and format of our service is quite unique and not something available either through the NHS or private provision.

"We are regularly referred new members by local GPs and NHS trusts – and we help around 40 people a week at present.

"However our operation relies entirely on volunteers and financial support."

The group is welcoming new volunteers.

For more information go to https://www.facebook.com/CraftAbilityThaxted/.