Santa joined carol singers and traders to put on a festive fair to raise money to open a community centre for older people.

Dozens of shoppers turned out to browse stalls at this year’s Advent Christmas Fair at Christ Church in St Albans Road, High Barnet, on Saturday.

Fifteen local traders were selling everything from clothes and plants to cakes and balloons, while Christ Church Community Choir entertained the crowds with Christmas carols including The First Noel.

Children could also pay a visit to Santa’s grotto, while volunteers helped out at a food bank where people facing financial difficulties could pick up a free meal.

The service will remain open until the New Year and donations of tinned and packaged foods can be dropped off at the church.

The fair helped raise more than £1,000 for Christ Church’s Open Door Appeal which aims to restore the building adjacent to the church, making it a new hub for older people.

Fundraiser Jenny Blyth said: “It was a fantastic day. It was great to see so many people coming to support their local traders and our community appeal that will be a huge benefit to so many people.

“The community centre is going to be used for older people who will be able to socialise, meet new people and learn new skills. There’s nowhere else like it in the borough so we really want to get it up and running as soon as possible.”

So far the Open Door Appeal has raised more than £500, 000 towards its £1.9million target.