Charity leaders are on the lookout for more traders from the area at two popular fundraising events for the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust.

The popular Devizes Autumn Fair, which has been running for more than 20 years is at The Corn Exchange in Devizes from 10am to 4.30pm on October 4. There will be 30 stalls selling unique gifts, clothes and crafts.

The Bowood Festive Food and Gift Fair is on December 1 and 2, with more than 30 stalls in the Kerry Suite at the Bowood Hotel Spa and Golf Resort.

Director Jennie Shaw: “Being one of the largest Christmas events on the calendar it is a big draw for people and a great way to finish off your Christmas shopping. Last year we had a tremendous turnout and raised £7,500.

“Both the Bowood event and the autumn fair are very popular with traders but we really would like the fairs to be a platform to showcase local crafts and produce,” she said.

The booking deadline for both events is June 1 and application forms are available from the charity’s website, wiltshirebobbyvan.org.uk

The charity operates two vans, both staffed by former police officers, which visit homes across Wiltshire and Swindon to offer free practical home security measures, fire safety assessments and online safety guidance for people over 60 or over 18 with a registered disability

It works in partnership with Wiltshire Police and other organisations including Victim Support, Age UK, housing associations and Wiltshire Council’s trading standards department to identify people who need help and reassurance.

The invitations come after hundreds of people flocked to a Bag A Bargain sale over two days at Wellington Barn at Calstone, near Calne, last week. Shoppers were treated to rail after rail of donated designer bargains and the sale raised £5,000 for the charity.

Mrs Shaw said: “It was a wonderful event and we are very thankful for all of the donations we received, there were some fantastic items on sale. No clothes are wasted we have donated unsold clothes to our friends at Swindon Domestic Abuse Support for its Survivor shop in Swindon

“We are also very grateful to the 15 hard working volunteers who helped us set up the day before and also to the cake bakers and canape makers who provided delicious food. We must also say a huge thank you to Keri Maundrell and her team at Wellington Barn who once again very generously donated us the venue.”

The next major event for the charity, which needs to raise a minimum of £310,000 each year to maintain its free service, is its annual Middlewick House Open Garden at the home of Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and his wife Annette, who is a trustee of the charity. It takes place on June 8 and 9. Ticket details are at wiltshirebobbyvan.org.uk