A GARDEN centre and aquarium aims to prove that local produce really is the best this festive season by bringing together ethical traders from across the North East for one of the region’s largest Christmas festivals.

Paddock Farm, near Darlington, is calling on both professional and hobbyist food producers and craft companies from the surrounding area to get involved in its first annual festive event next month in its stunning grounds.

The husband-and-wife team that took over the company in April is looking to create a major event on the annual regional calendar by offering local traders a new platform to sell their wares in the run up to Christmas.

Mark and Janet Binney also hope next month’s event will inject some seasonal cheer into the community by welcoming local brass and school bands to entertain visitors as they keep warm with mince pies and mulled wine.

The event will also feature a competition among the exhibiting traders for the chance to win a money-spinning contract to supply Paddock Farm with its produce for a year and sell its goods in the site’s shop.

Exhibitors which have already signed up to the event include Stone Mason FW Clark, Tara Dixon from Sawdust, Solder and Wax, Rachel Lane who will be donating funds raised from her range of handmade treats to a local charity, Moreishliving with her unreal range of gifts, delicious handmade cakes producer Candy Handfuls Boutique Bakery, Chris McCallum carving chainsaw ornamentals, the unique Mungai Mirrors, gingery treats from Ginger Bread Mam, and children’s craft kit maker NE Day Crafts; to name but a few!

Mr Binney said the organisers are still keen to hear from other ethical local producers, charities and craft enthusiasts who wish to get involved, regardless of whether they are established traders or retail newcomers.

He said: “We want this event to become a regular fixture on the annual festive calendar and we hope it develops into something the local community really looks forward to each year.

“Our first event on Halloween was a huge success and our event organiser, James Lane, has been working round the clock to make this event even better, and the best Christmas festival in the North East.

“As well as giving a pre-Christmas lift to food, drink and craft producers, we also hope to help those people who may have always harboured the ambition to turn their hobby into a business, with the opportunity to dip their toes in the water.”

Since taking over the company earlier this year, Mr and Mrs Binney have strived to develop Paddock Farm as a centre of excellence for plant and aquatic products.

The company expects to grow its 20-strong workforce in the coming months and may look to expand on to a portion of the 10 acres of land it has at its disposal.

“Our aim is to bring a sense of tradition back to garden centres while selling bespoke, quality items which can be tailored to individual customer needs,” said Mrs Binney.

The Christmas festival takes place on 4 December between 9am and 5:30pm and the following day between 10am and 4pm, with ample free parking provided.

For more information on the event and on Paddock Farm, which sells products for gardens, ponds, aquariums and in the home, please visit www.paddockfarm.co.uk.