Festive shoppers turned out in force to enjoy a Christmas market with a difference in Southport.



The event, at the New Leaf garden centre on Rotten Row, featured seasonal goods created by people with support needs who use the services of the borough’s leading adult social care provider, New Directions.



Organisers say there was a lot of interest in the Christmas items on offer, all produced by people who attend New Leaf, textile workshop New Threads and joinery workshop New Timbers.



Gift ideas ranged from wooden clocks, house plants and bird boxes to table runners, aprons and cushions.



Other unusual handcrafted goods included upcycled household items, wooden angels, animals and signs and even hand-knitted Christmas tree decorations.



Meanwhile, customers were also able to choose from a range of Christmas trees and yuletide plants, wreaths and grave pots, all prepared by the green-fingered people who attend New Leaf.



Seasonal refreshments were also on offer at the market, which was organised by the same team that helped to create the New Directions show garden which won a gold medal at Southport Flower Show.



New Leaf Project Co-ordinator, Angela Green, commented: “Everyone here had been working extremely hard to prepare for the Christmas market, so we were delighted with the very good turnout on the day.



“We also received a lot of complimentary comments about the range and quality of the goods on sale, which was obviously very pleasing for the whole team.



“And as well as having the chance to choose from the wide variety of unusual festive items on offer, customers have the satisfaction of knowing that the money they spent will be ploughed back into providing more resources and opportunities for the people who attend New Leaf,” added Angela.



* Christmas items are still on sale at New Leaf. Ring 01704 562406 for more details and opening times.