CHRISTMAS came early in Lochwinnoch at the village’s annual Arts Festival Christmas Fair.

Shoppers were feeling festive with more than 300 people browsing a selection of stalls at the Lochwinnoch Church at the weekend.

It was hosted by members of the Lochwinnoch Arts Festival committee, who host three craft fairs each year; two during their festival in March and the other during winter.

Villagers delighted in a selection of handmade and homemade gifts and goodies, offering a collection of unique gifts for everyone, while pupils from Johnstone High School also set up base in the tearoom, where they received donations for their World Challenge project.

A total of £300 went towards the cause and another £100 will be donated to the Lochwinnoch Christmas lights.

Organiser Jill Bell said: “There were great items that would suit presents and many of the guests were getting their Christmas shopping in early.”

Lochwinnoch is also working on a new project within the village to make it dementia friendly, which stallholders helped contribute to on the day.

Knitting experts and crafters created knitted muffs, which will be donated to Alzheimers Scotland to distribute to people affected.

Jill said: “People who suffer from dementia like to fiddle about with their hands.

“So we stallholders make these muffs with sewed on buttons and embellishment, which will keep their hands warm in winter too.”