CRAFTS in the Pen will return to Skipton Auction Mart on Saturday and Sunday.

The annual festive crafts market has grown considerably since last year, boasting over 170 stallholders displaying an array of unique, hand crafted items ranging from ceramics, glass, paper, textiles, jewellery, metal and wood.

The event provides a great chance for people to kick start their Christmas shopping with unique items, made by talented artists and craft makers.

There will be stalls selling handmade Christmas decorations, wrapping paper, cards and stocking fillers such as chocolates, jams and candles.

Crafts in the Pen has been heavily invested in, and the main auction ring is being transformed into a Winter Wonderland, where Santa and his elves will hand out small gifts to boys and girls.

The grotto is free for children and Santa will even be joined by a couple of his reindeer, who will be parked up and ready for the flight home at the end of the weekend.

The craft stalls will be housed within the cattle pen area of Skipton Auction Mart. As such, there is no need to worry about wet weather, but visitors should wrap up warmly, as they would for an outdoor market.

Crafts in the Pen is the annual fund raiser of The Mart Theatre, which runs within Skipton Auction Mart.

And the crafts marker plays a key role in The Mart Theatre being able to offer live music, stand-up comedy and theatre shows to the local community, as well as drama classes to children and teenagers.

Artistic director Andy Lynan said: “Our first Crafts in the Pen event started with very limited funds. Due to the successful launch, we’ve been able to invest back into the event and given the site a bit of a festive makeover.

“Alongside keeping our Christmas Panto and other shows running, Crafts in the Pen visitors are also supporting our stallholders, who are small businesses.”

Entry to the event, which runs from 10am to 4pm over both days, costs £5 but is free for under 16s.

Full details and a brochure can be found at craftsinthepen.org.uk