John Stokes, who made the star base, with children helping to cover the star in foil at Blofield's St Andrew and St Peter Church, during the Christmas Extravaganza. From left, Josh Green, 12; Bethany Foster, 4; Olivia Sargeant, 8; and her brother Toby, 4. Picture: Denise Bradley

There was more than simple festive cheer warming the hearts of fair-goers in Blofield yesterday.

The new heating system at St Andrew and St Peter Church, for which parishioners collected £60,000, proved up to the task as people of all ages packed in to enjoy food and craft stalls, activities for youngsters and a Christmas cafe.

Children set about creating a giant star to be hung in the church during the Christmas services, following last year’s giant angel.

Revd Paul Cubitt said the new heating system, funded in part by a donation from the John Jarrold Trust, had helped the event’s success.

“It’s been one of the nicest Christmas markets we’ve had, because it has been so warm.

“You can usually see your breath at this time of year, but the new system has probably encouraged more people to come down.

“It’s so much more pleasant, and we hope that the place will be heaving for the services over Christmas.”

The church has already started fundraising for its 2013 project – repairing the falling flints on the church tower.