A Carlisle charity has thanked the immense generosity of the public after its Christmas fair raised more than £7000. 

Oak Tree Animals Charity held its annual Christmas market event on Saturday, November 18 at its rehoming site just outside the village of Wetheral. 

The Christmas Market, which included a wide range of festivities, was held to raise vital income for the animals the charity cares for onsite as well as fund their community services.  

News and Star: One of the busy market stallsOne of the busy market stalls (Image: Oak Tree Animals Charity)

The day was a huge success, bringing in hundreds of visitors and raising over £7,300! All proceeds generated from this event are greatly appreciated by the charity, which now needs to raise over £2.7 million a year to keep its doors open to the pets and their owners who need their support and services.  

Lorna de Mello, Fundraising and Communications Manager, said: "We are overwhelmed with the amount raised and can’t believe the generosity of our supporters!

"It was a brilliant atmosphere with so many new faces as well as the ones we see every year. We would also like to say a very special thank you to all our amazing volunteers who braced the cold and helped out on the day – we really couldn’t pull off our events without their dedication and hard work.  

"We hope everyone had as good a time as we did, and we hope to see you next time!"

The charity also thanked stall holders, volunteers and members of the public, with a special mention to Santa for flying in all the way from the North Pole to visit and bring presents on a cold Carlisle afternoon.

News and Star: Santa was a special guest at the eventSanta was a special guest at the event (Image: Oak Tree Animals Charity)

They wrote: "We managed to raise just over £7300 which is phenomenal! We know that this Christmas may be more difficult for everyone as well as charities but we could not be more grateful for the generosity and support shown to us."

Oak Tree is hosting its next big event on March 23, 2024 at Oak Tree Farm, which promises to be another fabulous day.

To see Oak Tree's upcoming events, please visit www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk/events or if you have any questions, please email info@oaktreeanimals.org.uk.