GRASSINGTON's Christmas market held over two weekends has been declared a great success - and with more than £5,270 raised from proceeds of the car parking for the Fire Fighters Charity.

The market, held on December 2 and December 9, organised by Grassington Chamber of Trade's Christmas Market Event Team, aims to bring cheer and sparkle to the Dales village and also vital business to its many independent shops, galleries, cafes and pubs.

This year, Grassington Fire Station raised funds by managing the parking at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre on both Saturdays - and raising a grand total of £5,270.50.

Lynne Owen, chair of Grassington Chamber of Trade said: " The car parking was managed so well this year at the national park centre and we are so pleased that our local and essential fire service was able to benefit by raising funds at the same time".

A spokesperson for the fire station said:“ The crew at Grassington would like to thank the chamber of trade's Christmas market team for giving us the opportunity to raise such an amazing amount of money for the Firefighters Charity, a cause that supports the mental and physical needs of the UK’s fire service community and is very close to all of our hearts. Supporting local events and helping the community is something all the on-call crew is passionate about doing".

A Craven Herald letter writer from Skipton wrote in praise of stallholders at the second of the two markets for standing firm in the face of driving rain and gale force winds.

They wrote: "It is to the absolute credit of organisers, volunteers and those sellers, and to the brave soul who was quite literally nearly airborne at the close of the market as the main tent took off; hanging on for dear life as the cavalry came running.

"Because of their determination to ensure their Christmas market entertained us all, this event will stand out for me as utterly memorable. My heartfelt thanks to you all."

The village has also become the place to visit for fans of Channel 5's All Creatures Great and Small, with many scenes filmed in and around Grassington.

Grassington Chamber of Trade is a thriving organisation that exists to promote its members and the village; it runs an information website: discovergrassington.co.uk and organises several village events.

Planning is already underway for the next Christmas market, which will take place on Saturday, November 30 and Saturday, November 7.