A CHRISTMAS fair at Windermere's Cedar Manor hotel on Saturday raised money for Lupus UK to fund research into the disease.

The fair, which saw Father Christmas greet young guests in his grotto inside a Mongolian yurt, was organised by hotel owners Caroline and Jonathan Kaye.

It was one of a series of fundraising events, as Caroline has already taken part in the Great North Run, and will be running the London Marathon next year to build up the tally.

Local artists and designers sold crafts and jewellery, aromatherapy products, felt animals, wooden toys, paintings and calendars.

Kendal-based artist Thuline de Cock gave a demonstration of animal painting, and her picture was then auctioned for charity. The highest bidder was newly-wed Lucy Davey from Norwich, on honeymoon with husband Matthew at the hotel.

In the children’s “design your own festive light” competition, organised by Alison Tordoff, the winners were Marley Brafield and Morgan Rucker from St Martin and St Mary primary; Patrick Long and Robert Smith from Goodly Dale Primary; and Pip Park and Sarah Hartley from St Cuthbert’s primary.

The winning designs, made into illuminated lights, are on display at the Aquatic Lifestyle store and The Fun Factory in Bowness.