A promoter of Dorset food and drink is encouraging people to shop locally for their Christmas gifts and food.

Dorset Food & Drink is a community interest company and not for profit and they are hosting their annual Christmas fair at Athelhampton House and Gardens.

The festive event will take place  on Saturday, November 25 and Sunday, November 26 between 10am and 3pm where people can come and buy gifts and food from Dorset producers.

Dorset Echo: Dorset made cured meats from The Real Cure Dorset made cured meats from The Real Cure (Image: Dorset Food and Drink)

There will be plenty of stalls offering up gift ideas or stocking fillers from local cheese and funky craft ales, to seasonal sweets, interesting liqueurs, jewellery, or upcycled items.

Dorset Food & Drink coordinator Caz Richards said: “The build up to Christmas can be heart-warming, but we’re ever more conscious about spending our money in an ethical and sustainable way.

“This year has brought its own unique challenges, so we’re advocating a local Christmas and sourcing gifts, food and drink from businesses on your doorstep.

Dorset Echo: Hand crafted chocolate reindeers will be available to buy Hand crafted chocolate reindeers will be available to buy (Image: Dorset Food and Drink)

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors where they will be able to buy something small, or perhaps splash out on a unique foodie or artisan gift.

“Either way, we hope that visitors will enjoy meeting the producers, discover new products, stock up on their favourites and enjoy the beautiful gardens. We'll have a few stallholders inside the house too, but it's not fully open for tours during the event.”    

Tickets can be bought in advance for £5 a head online at www.athelhampton.com/events or will cost £7.50 on the gate with under 12s free of charge.