Almost £5,000 was raised as visitors made purchases from 29 stalls selling a variety of seasonal items.

Ben looked around the fair himself, and took time out to speak to many of the patients at the hospice.

Member of the fundraising team, Jane Stockdale, said: "I'm sure Ben being here made a difference.

"It has been the best Christmas Fair ever and we were all thrilled to see so many visitors supporting the hospice.

"Last year we had a difficult time because of the snow, but this one has certainly made up for that.

"The mince pies donated by Cooplands and Queen Margaret's Nursing Home and the shortbread biscuits provided by the hospice went down a treat.

"Our nurses had a craft stall selling all kinds of gifts which they had made over the last few months and the hospice chef's pantry stall sold 84 loaves of bread along with Christmas cakes, puddings and more.

"On behalf of everyone we care for I would like to thank all of our visitors for their wonderful support, everyone who donated cakes and gifts and the volunteers who helped make the day so successful."