CHRISTMAS shopping started very early for some of the visitors to Helensburgh Parish Church on Saturday at the Helensburgh and Lomond Artisans Association’s craft fair.

The event showcased the work of the finest crafters and makers in the area and supported the handmade trade industry. And the specialist products certainly seemed popular with visitors keen to snap up some early festive gifts.

Heather Little, co-chair of the association, said: “We had plenty of our regular customers and some new faces and it was busy despite the heavy rain.

“Our pop-up tearoom and raffle to raise money for Robin House in Balloch was successful and raised £140 and the sloe gin fruit cake was very popular, followed by the gluten-free orange and almond cake.

“Sue Ball from Moshi Beads thought it had been an excellent way to spend a wet Saturday – mind you she did win a bottle of Prosecco donated by La Jupe.”

There will be another pop-up tearoom for Robin House at the Christmas craft fair on Saturday, December 8 in Helensburgh Parish Church.