Organisers of a popular festive fair are hoping to smash a fundraising target at this year's event.

Christmas may be a few months away but preparations are well underway for this festive fundraiser.

The Macmillan Christmas Shopping Fair is being held this year on Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17 at Kingston Maurward College, near Dorchester.

It is aiming for a record breaking year exceeding last year’s total of £34,000 for Macmillan.

Committee chairman Rose Joly said: “The Christmas Shopping Fair has become a firm favourite with people seeking quality, unusual or discerning gifts that cannot be found on the high street.

"Each year we feature nearly fifty stalls which are handpicked by us to ensure a wonderful choice and variety for shoppers looking for unique Christmas presents for their loved ones.

"This year stalls will include luxury clothing, jewellery and accessories, children’s toys, quality food and items for the house and garden.”

She added: “In addition, the venue at Kingston Maurward is a perfect location as it is easily accessible and enjoys excellent parking yet still provides the air of a country home with its beautifully proportioned rooms and character features.”

Chrissie Wathen-Neal, Macmillan Fundraising Manager for Dorset said: "The Macmillan Christmas Fair is now an established event in the county diary and is so well supported by the local community.

"As a charity we couldn’t do what we do without our wonderful volunteers and my thanks go to the committee members who organise the fair.

"Fifteen people a day will receive a cancer diagnosis in Dorset and the money that is raised at the event will help make a difference to those people living with cancer in Dorset."

The fair is open from 10am-4pm on the Saturday and from 10am-3.30pm on the Sunday.

Admission is £5 per person. Further information about the Macmillan Christmas Shopping Fair together with a selection of this year’s stallholders can be found at macmillanchristmasfair.co.uk or via the Facebook page.