VISITORS to Keighley Market are stepping back in time this Christmas.

Traders and staff at the Low Street site are donning period costume to help recreate a Victorian festive feel.

And the initiative is raising money for the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice, Manorlands.

The venture begins this weekend, and is being repeated on Saturday, December 23, and Christmas Eve.

Santa will also be in his grotto both weekends.

Entry to the grotto is £2 and each child will receive a gift.

There is also face painting and a short film, Santa and his Elves At Work, is being screened.

A tombola stall features an array of prizes donated by the traders.

A huge teddy bear is the prize in a special draw, which costs £2 to enter. All proceeds will go to Manorlands.

The Bradford Council-run market is open extended hours from 8.30am to 5pm weekdays and Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas, and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

It is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, the council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said “We have fabulous markets in our district.

“Whether it’s festive food for the big day or Boxing Day or gifts for your family and friends, I’m sure there will be something for everyone.

“It’s such a busy time of year so I’m sure these extended opening hours will be welcomed by shoppers.”

He applauded the backing for Manorlands.

“The hospice provides care and support to patients and their loved ones at difficult periods in their lives and it’s great to see the traders coming together at this special time of year to raise money for such a worthwhile cause,” he added.

Yvonne Bryant, who runs the Just for Paws pet shop in the market and is one of the event’s main organisers, said: “It’s been really good to get the traders together and put this on.

“There really is something for everyone at the market in Keighley and we wanted to put something on to encourage families and children in the area to come along to celebrate Christmas.”

Keighley Market is a long-time supporter of Manorlands.

Last Christmas, traders and staff raised over £2,000 for the hospice with a series of festive activities.

Attractions included a Santa’s grotto, raffle, tombolas, children’s lucky dip and seasonal music.

Manorlands supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families at the hospice and in the community, across an area covering Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale as well as parts of Bradford.

All services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £9,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.

Only a small part of the cost is covered by statutory funds.

Most of the funds have to be raised through voluntary donations.

For more information about how you can support the hospice, contact the fundraising office on 01535 640430.