HUNDREDS of festive foodies turned out for the biggest Smithills Christmas market yet.

More 500 people braved the cold weather to enjoy the delicious home made food including hot roast chestnuts, toasted marshmallows, and jerk chicken.

They also snapped up arts and crafts items, with hand-made Christmas decorations proving to be festive favourites.

Father Christmas arrived early to surprise young children with gifts,while the Eden Singers & Smithills Fellowship band sang seasonal tunes.

And a stunning landscape donated by local artist Pete Marsh was auctioned off.

Lead organiser John Platt said: “This year we had even more food, arts and crafts, carol singers, musicians and volunteers than ever!”

The event raised £4,000 for Urban Outreach.