Fundraisers braved the chilly November air when a hospice moved its annual Christmas fair outdoors.

St Luke’s Hospice, in Kenton Road, Harrow, took the brave step to welcome the people of Harrow outside the building on Saturday.

With volunteers from neighbouring schools manning stalls, activities included face painting, decorating gingerbread men and a Santa’s grotto.

Aneka Shah-Levy, who helped run the fete, explained the reason for taking the event outside.

She said: “We traditionally have it inside but the fete has been growing and growing and we knew this year we would take it out the front.

"Given the weather at this time of year you can never be sure how it will work out, but we seem to be doing well.”

The hospice raises almost £3million per year from events, with the Christmas fair accouting for around £2,000.

Heralding the work of the volunteers, Mrs Shah-Levy added: “Without them all of this would not be possible, it has been a fantastic effort from everyone to involve the community and get people to support our cause.

“Some of our workers here were showing off their hidden talents which were a surprise to everyone.”

Kim Patel, who brought her children to the fete, said: “We are always happy to support our local hospice, they do a lot for our community and that is something which should never be undervalued.”