Well-wishers have proved that charity begins at home as a fundraising market in Petersfield has raised nearly £1,500 for good causes around the south.

It was a case of home, sweet home, for stallholders and organisers last Saturday as the Giant Easter Charity Market made its long-awaited return to Festival Hall.

The family-run event attracted huge crowds following its four-year hiatus to TPS with more than 50 stalls spread out around the main hall, Rose Room and stage.

Proceeds from the event, opened by town crier Faye Thompson and followed by a few words of welcome from town mayor, Cllr JC Crissey, will benefit a host of local charities and the Portsmouth Hospitals Cancer Fund.

“We have come back to our traditional home,” said co-organiser Jeremy Holmes in hailing the event’s return to a larger and more central venue.

The market offered a cornucopia of delights with Easter gifts, collectables, scented candles, vintage clothing, artwork, jewellery, and crafts among the items on sale.

Shoppers perused a huge book stall and wondered at the display of metal garden designs set up by Northshore Metal Profiles of Hayling Island.

Local children’s author Glenn McLernon showcased his own range of illustrated children’s books while the smell of incense oil from a well-being stall brought calm to the Rose Room.

The PHCF made nearly £400 through donations, stall rents and a raffle while a colourful craft stall in support of front-line doctors in Ukraine made £206.

The Stroud Evening WI, Petersfield Lions Club, Musical Festival and Open Air Pool all raised over £100 and the Rosemary Foundation stall clocked up £130 from the event.

Raffle winners included Sarah Whitaker, Diana Godwin, Sue Amesbury and Mrs Wood who won a scented candle, with Mr Holmes thanking everyone for their help and support.