VILLAGERS will be getting into the Christmas spirit with a festive market, and they want others to join them.

A two-day outdoor market selling a range of goods from toys to Hungarian honey cake will be held in the grounds of the Sunray pub at Osmington from December 1-2. It will run from 12noon-5.30pm on both days.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax will light the big Christmas tree at 4.30pm on Saturday, December 1 assisted by parish council chairman Mike Read.

The Durnovaria Silver Band will be playing as carols are sung and St Andrew’s School choir will also be performing.

On Sunday there will be Morris dancers and the Mill Street Jazz Band to entertain shoppers. Eileen Bramley from the Friends of the Parish of Osmington said: “This is a very big event for tiny Osmington.

“It is being organised by the Friends of the Parish with the kind assistance of the Sunray management and staff.

“We are raising funds for the Wyvern School, in Weymouth and for the maintenance of the fabric of our historic village Church, St Osmund’s.

“We hope to make this an annual event, raising money for locally involved charities and the church maintenance fund.

“Local companies have come on board to support us – it’s looking set to be a lovely, sparkly start to the Christmas season.”