GIVING was in the minds of the Friends of Barnard Castle Preparatory School following a successful Christmas fair.

It was the first time the friends had held a Christmas fair and shoppers were greeted with a glass of mulled wine and Christmas gifts and food to buy.

There was also a raffle, with the first prize being a stay at Augill Castle, in Kirkby Stephen.

The proceeds of the raffle were shared between the Butterwick House Children's Hospice and friends of the school.

Alison Booth, fundraiser for Butterwick House Children's Hospice, said: "The support shown by Barnard Castle Prep School in a climate when so many charities are competing for funds is very much appreciated.

"It was a pleasure to be able to invite the friends to visit the hospice and see for themselves the excellent work our clinical staff do."