DOZENS of people took advantage of an opportunity to buy Christmas goodies and help local charities at the same time.

Pinehurst People's Centre invited around 15 organisations to set up stalls at its bazaar, which was held at the weekend.

Swindon mayor Arthur Archer, who represents the Gorse Hill and Pinehurst ward, opened the event.

Money raised went towards the centre and the charities, including Thamesdown Stroke Centre, the Swindon North branch of Arthritis Care, Koala Opportunity Group for disabled youngsters and various PTAs.

Stalls selling cakes, preserves and Christmas presents were set up, and some organisations chose to run raffles. Among them was Thamesdown Stroke Centre, which had 52 prizes donated by its members.

Spokesman Tom Taylor said: "Fundraising events like these are very important to us. Without them we would struggle to survive."