Celebrate the start of Christmas enjoying the wide selection of produce Dorset has to offer.

The Dorset Food & Drinks Christmas Fair is returning for the fifth year at the end of this month at Athelhampton House and Gardens.

Whether you are a savoury person or prefer sweet treats, you can spend the day sampling and choosing from the stalls of more than 50 Dorset merchants, all members of Dorset Food & Drink - and this year the event has been extended over a whole weekend.

A spokesman for Dorset Food & Drink said: "We have great range of Dorset products from preserves, cheeses, artisan bakeries, and great home-grown meats and veg, as well as spirits, wines and beer – many of them widely acclaimed and award-winning.

"There’s plenty for choice for vegetarians, vegans and gluten avoiders and many tempting treats, things for the Christmas table, stocking fillers and ideal presents for the family foodie.

"It’s the perfect chance to stock up on those things we all like to have in over the festive period.

"Alongside the food and drink fair you have the opportunity to stroll round the gardens and explore part of the house, with the opportunity whilst indulging in the hot food and coffee stands and listening some local entertainment, songs and carols."

New for this year and a first for Athelhampton House, children will be able to visit Father Christmas in the 1495 Tudor architecture house on the Sunday.

A visit to Father Christmas will cost £5 per child, and all the money raised will go towards Weldmar Hospicecare.

The Christmas Fair will be held on Saturday, November 25 and Sunday, November 26, open 10am until 4pm on both days.

Entry is £2.50 per adult and children go free.

A free park and ride is also available hourly from Dorchester County Hall, beginning from 10am.

For more information visit athelhampton.co.uk/events/dorset-food-and-drink-christmas-fair-2017/