Christmas Market at Masonic Centre in Chester-le-Street

The event at Chester-le-Street's Masonic Centre allowed small businesses to show off and sell their wares and meet new customers.

Malcolm Gordon, an executive of the centre, said: "We have run these fairs across the year. This one has been by the best and has been very well attended. 

"We have had a lot of people through the doors. It brings people into our building and gives them the chance to dispel any myths about the Masons. 

The event was organised by Gemma Niles-Baker of GNB Wedding and Event Specialists. who have also arranged a Christmas Market today (Sunday) at the Black Horse in Beamish. 

Among the traders today were Gary and Laura McMenamin of Home-Scents in Morpeth. Laura said: "We have just set up our business a month ago and have had a good start. Today has gone really well."

Holly Devlin of For Bake's Sake, Sunderland, who has been started her business a few months ago and creates a range of home-baked products, has also enjoyed the chance to meet new customers. "It has been a good day," she said.

Jess Baker of the Durham-based Ellie and Emerald specialises in personalised home and giftware. Personalised gifts from Ellie and Emerald (Image: Gavin Engelbrecht)

She said: "Anything that can be personalised we will do, from Santa sacks to baubles and much more.

"I have been in business for just under and year and these markets are our bread and butter. We do a lot of business online, but it is important to get out and put a name to a face and meet people. 

"It is important to be able to talk to our customers."

Ashleigh MacRae of The Anan Cara, which has a permanent market in Durham, is a crystal expert, jeweller, tarot reader, Reiki practitioner and "student of the Universe".

She has been working with crystal for more than 10 years and set up her business several months ago. Ashleigh MacCrae (Image: Gavin Engelbrecht)

She said: "We have weekly markets across the North East and North Yorkshire, providing a unique experience to discover the magic of crystals and more.

"People come to us, who are looking for other ways to navigate the roller coaster of life. My mother Michelle and I are qualified counsellors and can help people through grief and life's challenges."

Recommended reading: 

• Coats for Christmas: The Northern Echo launches its winter clothes appeal
• Four people named and fined thousands following fly tips in County Durham
• 16 North East pubs put up for sale after company behind them collapse

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Ashleigh MacCrae (Image: Gavin Engelbrecht)

Jules Brookes, who is an advocate for mental health awareness, takes her own photographs and uses them to create a variety of products.

Jules Brookes (Image: Gavin Engelbrecht)

Today's (Sunday's) event at the Black Horse in Beamish will be held from 11am to 5.30pm and offers even more stalls, as well as entertainment and hot food and drinks.