A CHRISTMAS extravaganza is being held in Widnes on Saturday, December 14.

Festive gifts will be on sale at a selection of stalls in St Mary’s Community Centre, off Alice Court, West Bank, from 1pm to 6pm.

Children’s clothes, toiletries, hand made cards, glassware, aromatherapy, holistic and spiritual gifts, jewellery and sweets will be available.

A Christmas cake competition will be judged by the Mayor of Halton, Clr Margaret Ratcliffe. Bakers are invited to bring along their entries before 2pm.

A cartoonist will be drawing portraits and children can have their fingers decorated with nail art.

Riverside Clr Pam Wallace said: “This is not just for West Bankers, it's open to everyone.

“Come along and get into the spirit of Christmas, buy your family and friends that very special Xmas gift. Make new friends and rekindle old ones.”

Hot food will be served.

Santa will be touring the area on his float at 6pm.

The event has been organised by West Bank steering group, Cllr Pamela Wallace, centre manager Gary Ball, resident Jack Parker resident, Julie Baker, Ann Smith and Sharon Fullerton West Bank Community Forum, and Adele Clark Halton Council development officer.

The bus stops outside the venue in St Mary's Road.

The event has been funded by the area forum, Riverside Housing and Halton Housing Trust.