A COUPLE have thanked Lechlade community's support as their market business celebrates its fourth anniversary. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic gardener Martin Lee and his wife self-taught artist Sarah decided to create a socially distanced Christmas market to provide a space for crafters to sell their products as all the indoor craft fairs were cancelled.

The couple - who currently live on a boat at the top of the river Thames in Lechlade - managed to organise the market in just two weeks at The New Inn Hotel car park in Lechlade.

The very first Crafty Boaters Christmas Market was born with just 16 stalls and ran for two weekends in December 2020, providing the town with a new outlet for Christmas shopping after weeks at home during the second lockdown period.

This year the business turns four and has expanded to more than 35 stalls which will run over two consecutive Sundays in November.

Since 2022 the Christmas market has been held at the Lechlade Memorial Hall, as it outgrown its original venue. 

Sarah said: "We would like to thank everyone who helps to make the markets a success. 

"The markets now attract more than 55 sellers with a variety of hand made goods from local crafters. 

"Each time we run a market a donation is made to a charity, from a contribution from pitch fees, the sales of refreshments, or donations from the sales of some of the Crafty Boaters products.

"We have managed to raised more than £1,000 for charity for local causes such as The Lechlade and District Lions Club and The Butterfly AVM Society. 

"This year the Christmas Markets will be running between 10am and 4pm on Sunday, November 12 and Sunday, November 19 at Lechlade Memorial Hall."