SOME Christmas sparkle came to Northallerton with a fundraising floral evening which raised several hundred pounds for charity.

Northallerton and District Flower Club held a sell-out Christmas flower arranging demonstration at The Forum in Northallerton on Tuesday (November 25).

Flamboyant floral designer Andrew Grisewood, who lives near York, had been invited to create some Christmas arrangements, entitled a Touch of Fantasy.

He created an array of opulent and colourful arrangements, including frosted woodland cottage scenes, fantasy Christmas cards, Christmas tree settings and a gold mask and feather pastiche.

Maggy Price, the organisation’s publicity officer, said: “It was a fantastic evening. Andrew used to be the dress Barker’s department store window for a time and first came to the town in 1992, so he was thrilled to be back in Northallerton.

“He was a brilliant raconteur; the stories he told were very, very good.

“Everything was based around Christmas scenes and the stage was bursting full of colour. It was the highlight of our year.”

The annual event traditionally raises money for charity. Chair of the group, Kath King, this year chose to donate the money raised on the evening to The Alzheimer’s Society’s Bluebell House.

The centre, situated at the Omega Business Centre in Northallerton, works with up to 12 dementia sufferers a day, offering therapy, support and stimulation and giving carers respite.