Festive treats were available across the district at the weekend offering plenty for those wishing to take a break from Christmas shopping.

The spirit of the season is continuing to grow in the district, with Christmas markets, fairs, torchlight processions and a festive fun run helping to ramp up the excitement with Christmas now less than two weeks away.

Thousands refused to be put off by the rain yesterday as they flocked to the 26th Otley Victorian Fair, where market stalls were staffed by traders in Victorian costume selling their wares.

Festive food, decorations and drinks were on sale at the fair, which also featured Victorian travelling theatre company Penny Plain’s Christmas show.

About 200 people braved the rain and the cold to turn out in a range of costumes for Epilepsy Action’s second Reindeer Stampede in Roberts Park, Saltaire Epilepsy sufferer Megan Chambers, six, was cheering on family, friends and neighbours, who were taking part in the race on her behalf.

Her mum Anne-Louise Chambers said: “It’s really nice of them to do it for us.”

Stacey Rennard, campaigns manager at the Yeadon-based charity, said: “It is the second time we have done this and it was well received last year.

“It’s just a really fun way for people to get out, get involved and raise money for Epilepsy Action. It’s a cold Sunday morning and it’s great to see so many people have got up and are taking part.”

Dozens of traders were on hand at Shipley’s Annual Christmas Craft and Produce Market, which ran on Friday and Saturday. Shoppers were able to get their hands on a wide range of speciality food and drink including savoury pies, marmalades and pickles at the market, which was held in Market Square and Well Croft.

There was also some of the best in Fairtrade produce alongside arts and crafts, such as wooden toys and games, natural homemade soups and silver and crystal jewellery, while the Legendary Shep’s Banjo Boys and Marshall’s small fairground attractions provided entertainment. The Christmas weekend was lit up yesterday by Haworth’s torchlight procession up Main Street as the sun started to set. The procession on Sunday was followed by a carol service, while Santa also led a procession up the same street on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Baildon Christmas Fair was staged yesterday under the gaze of its Christmas lights, which at one point were under threat when the parish council did not have enough time to do a risk assessment.

Baildon Carnival Committee however stepped in after reading about the predicament in the Telegraph & Argus. Spokesman Dave Mitchell said: “We were amazed to read the report in the T&A that the parish council could not allow this to go ahead, even though they knew the situation back in June.”

The committee decided to hire the lights and arrange the installation itself.