SHOPPERS at Arley Hall dug deep this week to raise money for The Joshua Tree.

The Arley Hall Shopping Spectacular welcomed 1,500 visitors on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 13 and 14, and staff from Roberts Bakery were on hand to keep them well-fed.

Ten bakery volunteers served up snacks and drinks in the Gardener's Kitchen cafe, volunteering for the third consecutive year at the event which hopes to raise £30,000 for the Joshua Tree.

The Northwich-based charity supports families across Cheshire and the north west who are affected by children’s cancer.

Pippa Watson-Peck, fundraising, communications and events manager at The Joshua Tree, said: “The Shopping Spectacular is a huge community event and it could not happen without the terrific help of many volunteers, like Roberts Bakery.

"We’re really grateful to receive the continued support of the bakery, particularly as we are working so hard to develop our new purpose-built support centre in Sandiway where we will be able to provide more counselling, practical and therapeutic help for families.

"The money raised from the event will go towards the build, which we hope to complete by the end of next year.”

Arley Hall has been home to the Ashbrook family since the 15th century, and the Shopping Spectacular was set up in 1991 by a committee, including Lady Ashbrook, to support children's charities over a five-year term. The Joshua Tree began its five year partnership with Arley in 2016.

Graham Finnigan, community champion at Roberts Bakery, added: “It was absolutely wonderful to be at this event for the third year running and to do our bit to raise money for this amazing local charity. We’re delighted to be playing our part in the community and helping The Joshua Tree to secure much-needed funding to build its new support centre.”

The Roberts Bakery band also played a special concert at the shopping preview evening where visitors were treated to a medley of Christmas tunes whilst shopping and enjoying a glass of festive fizz.