FATHER Christmas made an early visit to Hamble this week for the Christmas Farmers' and Produce Market held in the Village Square.

Crowds gathered to see Santa and to buy fresh produce for the festive period from more than 20 stalls. Fish, organic chicken, cheese, chutneys and pickles were on sale alongside the seasonal Christmas puddings, cakes and mince pies.

Kate Cullen, parish council clerk for Hamble, said: "It was very successful. Everyone enjoyed it and the carol singers were superb."

Looking towards the new year, a raffle giving away two hampers made up of produce from stalls at the market has raised £140 for next year's Hamble Week event.