THE organiser of a Bicester craft market for charity is appealing for more visitors after an increase in the number of stalls.

Nathalie Bamber started up the monthly market in June to raise funds for the Batthula Trust.

The charity, founded by the Rev John Batthula, of the Church of Immaculate Conception in Causeway, raises money for a community of poor and leper families, primarily in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Every month the market features pictures, posters, flowers and materials together under one roof at the John Paul Centre II in Webb Court.

For the first event in June 20 crafters set up stalls and this number rose to 34 for October, with each stallholder paying £10 to the charity.

But Mrs Bamber, 49, from Bicester, is concerned that not enough people are visiting the market for it to be able to survive.

She said: “People always think of leprosy as something biblical but it’s a real problem, even in some richer countries like the US, which is shocking to think about.

“These people suffering have no way of bettering themselves and it’s important that we do something to help. We had a lot of interest from stallholders but the sad thing is for all our hard work, we are still not known to people.”

About £300 is raised from each market, with two more events organised before the end of the year.

Craft stalls come from around the county, including the Hummingbird Cancer and Therapy Centre in Launton and Helen and Douglas House Hospice in Magdalen Road, East Oxford.

All money will go to towards the work of the Bicester-based Batthula Trust, which provides blankets, towels, clothes, rice and money to those struggling. Mrs Bamber said: “The market has been going well but we need to get the message out about the stalls and the work of the charity.

“There is something here for everyone. It’s good to help out these local businesses and people in India as well.”

The next markets will be on Saturday, November 7, and Saturday, December 19.

For more information call 07832 384677.