Sandown Park will be transformed into a present-filled wonderland when the Mary Howard Christmas Fair returns for its ninth visit.

The fair, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year, will offer a range of gifts perfect for family members of all ages.

Mary and Patrick Howard started the fair in 1983 with a small selection of stalls selling presents in their home in aid of the NSPCC, with sales growing each year.

Mrs Howard, passionate about raising money for charity, died in a car crash in 2008, just two days before the Christmas fair was due to take place.

Despite their loss, Mrs Howard’s family worked tirelessly for the event to go ahead and, since then, her husband Patrick and family continue to run the business with the same desire and support the charities that Mary was passionate about.

Since the first sale 30 years ago, more than £1.25m has been raised for some 50 charities, including Princess Alice Hospice.

With more than 100 stalls, a variety of original Christmas gifts and treats, festive decorations, home accessories and food and drink will be available from a range of handpicked retailers.

Mr Howard says he and the team are looking forward to returning to Sandown Park and welcoming new and returning visitors to the fair.

He says: “We are well known for offering the cream of the crop of independent retailers both locally and nationally. Our customers are never disappointed by the choice and wealth of offering which our fairs have become renowned.

“Our charities benefit greatly from our efforts, providing much needed resources to those in greater need than ourselves; this year, we will be supporting Princess Alice Hospice.”

This year is expected to be bigger and better, with a new host of retailers signing up to offer an exciting selection of gifts to shoppers, making it a day of festive fun for all the family.

Mary Howard Christmas Fair; Sandown Park racecourse, Portsmouth Road, Esher; November 26 and 27, 10am to 4pm; £7 advance, £8 on the door; visit maryhowardsales.co.uk.