The year's first business and crafts fair took place over the weekend in Harwich with a range of wares on display.

Events in Harwich hosted the business and craft fair on Sunday, January 15, at the Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre.

The fair was started by the group to create a hub of engagement for businesses and to connect them with residents.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Creative - Lovely artistic pieces like these were on display at the fair.Creative - Lovely artistic pieces like these were on display at the fair. (Image: Events in Harwich)

A spokesman for the event said: “We hear the term shop local all the time but there is no effort to get out and support businesses.

"So bringing them together for an event helps get the businesses sales and exposure to potential repeat buyers.”

There were several stalls at the event including handmade goods, art, hampers, eco-friendly offerings and more.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Scented - Attendees had a selection of wonderful smelling candles to choose from.Scented - Attendees had a selection of wonderful smelling candles to choose from. (Image: Events in Harwich)

The spokesman added: “Events in Harwich is a small project started with the community in mind, to get the community out having fun.

“We are looking at expanding the events calendar very soon.

“Keep an eye out for some fun events consisting of magic, live singing, comedy and circus offerings.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Adorable - Children's toys were available to buy.Adorable - Children's toys were available to buy. (Image: Events in Harwich)

The event also raised money for the Harwich Ukraine Support Project.

The project raised more than £6,000 last year to fill an ambulance with essential supplies delivered to Moldova and eventually reaching Ukraine.

The spokesman said: “The Harwich Ukraine Support Project is run by the Harwich Cultural and Community Projects team and like what they have been doing and all the hard work they put in.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Lovely - Shoppers could buy romantic-themed bath bombs and soaps.Lovely - Shoppers could buy romantic-themed bath bombs and soaps. (Image: Events in Harwich)

“A small entry free will go directly to them and each business and craft event will have different cause in mind.”

Eighteen stalls were in attendance with more than 90 shoppers passing through, raising £37 at the door for the Harwich Ukraine Support Project.

Events in Harwich is set to host several business and crafts event to raise the profile of businesses in the Harwich area.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Talented - Artwork on display by Maria Louise.Talented - Artwork on display by Maria Louise. (Image: Events in Harwich)

The next event is in March and will fundraise for charity Walk and Talk for Men.

For more information on events in Harwich visit facebook.com/harwichevents/.