ALTON Jigfest 2016, held at St Lawrence Church, was deemed “another great success” with organisers deciding it become an annual fixture.

“It was great to see people returning from previous years,” explained Reverend David Hinks.

“Also many came back each day to see how the display had changed.

“There were lovely stories of people buying puzzles for their older relatives.

“New, many of the puzzles are costing upwards of £15, so to buy them for less than half price was a real benefit in these cash-strapped times.

“It was also a joy to see people sitting together and enjoying a delicious cream tea before viewing all the puzzles again.

“With more than 200 volunteer shifts covered by around 90 members of the Parish of the Resurrection, it was certainly a people-focused event, the money raised being secondary to many.

“I am so grateful to all the volunteers who make Jigfest what it is.

“We also met with keen puzzlers who, coming for the first time, discovered that we have a huge stock of puzzles to be made up for next Jigfest.

“They can simply help themselves to the puzzles in our churches, make them up and return them carefully broken into easy sections and put back in the boxes for storage and final assembly next year. It was a real privilege to welcome people into one of the parish churches, to chat and help them with their purchases.”