BORDON’S first combined Spring Fair and Art Exhibition, held at the Forest Community Centre and St Mark’s Church, was heralded a success, with plans now in place to make it an annual fixture.

The event attracted 25 stall-holders and more than 200 visitors, who enjoyed home-made cakes and merchandise for sale including jewellery, clothes, leatherware, greetings cards, cosmetics and books.

Forest Community Centre manager Lindsay Kelly said: “The event came about as a result of requests from our regular Christmas Fair exhibitors who said they wanted further opportunities to show off their wares.”

“We had a successful partnership with the church and its art-and-photography exhibition, which attracted a large number of high quality entries.”

Town charity Happy Cats Rescue raised over £200.

“We hear a lot about Bordon being a Healthy New Town,” said Michael Rutland, administrator at the Forest Community Centre and a member of St Mark’s.

“Engaging in the creative arts contributes greatly to physical, emotional and mental health, so I am pleased to see the Forest Community Centre, St Mark’s Shared Church and local people of all ages taking part in the Spring Fair and Art Exhibition.

“Creating something unique both empowers people and gives a sense of accomplishment.

“Used as therapy, art also helps us to express the things we find hard to say in words, and lowers stress and anxiety.”