A CHRISTMAS fair to fundraise for a child protection charity will be opened by Apprentice star and Lord Alan Sugar’s right hand man, Nick Hewer.

The NSPCC Christmas Fair at Castle Howard last year raised more than £40,000 and organisers hope this year will be just as successful.

Now appearing in his tenth series of the BBC’s the Apprentice and daily host of Channel 4’s Countdown, Mr Hewer will visit the fair which this year runs over three days.

The fair starts on Thursday, November 6 from 5pm to 9pm; Friday, November 7 from 9.30am to 5pm; and ends on Saturday, November 8 from 9.30am to 3pm.

Mr Hewer said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to support such a worthwhile cause as the NSPCC.

“I look forward to visiting both Castle Howard and the NSPCC Christmas Fair, which I’ve heard so much about, for the first time.

“The money raised helps children who are abused and vulnerable across Yorkshire and I urge anyone with the time to come along and help raise more funds by starting off your Christmas shopping alongside me at this wonderful fair.”

Tickets cost £8 and are available from www.nspcccastlehowardchristmasfair.co.uk. Includes entry to the fair, the Lakeside cafe, adventure playground, gardens and the Courtyard. Day tickets can be bought on the door or booked on-line in advance.

Gifts sold range from toys to books, jewellery, gardening, men's and ladies clothes, kitchen and homeware, to food and drink.

Income from ticket sales, sponsors and donations, raffle tickets, and 10 per cent of each stall holder’s takings all go direct to the charity.