CHRISTMAS goodwill came to Eastleigh early again this year thanks to the popular Chandler's Ford Joint Charities Christmas market at the weekend.

Now in its 27th year, the seasonal charity event at the Methodist Church Hall, in Winchester Road, brought together 14 good causes under one roof.

More than £2,000 was raised from Saturday's Yuletide sale of cards, calendars and gifts, which was opened by Eastleigh's deputy mayor Maureen Sollitt.

Among those to benefit from the day were the RNLI, Barnardo's, the Jubilee Sailing Trust and Eastleigh and District Mencap Society.