National Trust's Colby Woodland Gardens Winter Fair, held last weekend, was once again a huge success, raising extra funds to spend on conservation work.

With a raffle, tombola and selling Norwegian candles to supplement the revenue from the venture, they raised £4,350.

Head gardener, Steve Whitehead, said: "It's been a fantastic way to end the main season and I personally thank all the staff and volunteers; we have exceeded any previous record by over £1,000."

Over 1,500 recorded visitors enjoyed the autumn sunshine and pottered around the craft and produce stalls, snapping up early Christmas presents and sampling some of the fayre on offer. The hot food stalls were exceptionally popular and it was a challenge to keep up with the demand from Colby's visitors.

Stuart Evans and Martha Walters provided some lovely vocals to keep participants entertained and the feedback from the stall-holders was that they thoroughly enjoyed the event too.

The winner of Colby's autumn colour photography competition was announced on the Sunday and Paul Cayton from Guiseley in Yorkshire won a seasonal hamper.

He said "We're National Trust members and thought we'd pop in for a look. I had my camera (as usual) and thought there might be some nice colours, turned out there were, thankfully for me, that's great, as I've never won anything before, so thrilled!"

The runner-up, who made it very difficult for the head gardener to choose with his stunning shot of Colby's meadow and woodland, was Andrew Lester.

Colby are extremely indebted to the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, for the loan of their gazebos, to Saundersfoot Tesco, the Co-operative store, Kilgetty, Saundersfoot Spar and Tenby Sainsbury's for providing prizes for the Winter Fair tombola.

Colby's National Trust shop is still open at weekends from 10 - 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays and you can still catch them on certain weekdays too in the run-up to Christmas. There are some quality purchases to be had and some excellent stocking fillers for all the family at affordable prices.

Exciting new work, November 29: Seascape Curiosities, who will be out foraging with participants for materials and inspiration in Colby's woodland, will be creating beautiful prints and nature inspired designs. Seascape Curiosities will be holding workshops on Saturday, January 24, while other workshops, including photography, needle-felting, weaving, wood-carving and wood-turning, will be detailed on the National Trust Website.