FORGET Black Friday – the biggest Christmas shopping event of November took place a day later.

The season of goodwill was evident on Saturday as shoppers flocked to Petersfield’s Festival Hall to check out The Rowans Christmas Fayre.

Visitors were spoilt for choice with more than 30 stalls while the quality was high throughout, with chocolate, wine, decorations, textiles and jewellery among the many items on sale.

The event was organised by Sarah Bolton, from Clanfield, and eight friends as a thank-you to The Rowans for the care they gave to her late husband, Peter.

She has thanked all the businesses which supported the event but wanted to particularly praise Signature Kitchens, as the Dragon Street firm covered the cost of hiring the hall.

It has also offered to donate £100 to The Rowans for every attendee who goes on to order a kitchen, so the charity can keep benefiting long after the festive period.

“The feedback from customers and stallholders has been extremely positive with several asking already about the date for next year’s event,” added Sarah.

Proceeds have exceeded £5,000 with the assistant manager of the charity’s Petersfield shop, Judith Coates, calling the event “brilliant” before praising Sarah and her friends for their magnificent efforts.

She said: “I can’t believe they’ve done all this. It’s a brilliant thing to do for The Rowans and there’s been an amazing turnout.”

Further donations for The Rowans can also be made through www.justgiving. com/Sarah-Bolton13