A VIRTUAL Christmas market made up exclusively of student-run and small, local businesses is taking place this weekend.

The event will take place on December 5 and 6 and is being organised by Reading RAG (Raise and Give), the student-run fundraising arm of the University of Reading.

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Most of the stalls will offer exclusive discounts across the weekend.

There will also be donation points to support two partner charities: local homelessness charity, New Beginnings Reading and the national mental health charity, Mind.

The Reading RAG team will be releasing the website link on its Facebook page and people will be able to browse the stalls and click through to individual shops.

The stalls range from vintage clothing to handmade jewellery and art prints.

There will be items such as homemade Christmas decorations, hand-drawn prints and more.

The Reading RAG team has also launched a Christmas campaign creating Christmas present boxes to donate to New Beginnings.

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The aim of these boxes is to provide gifts and treats to people who may not otherwise be able to receive presents at Christmas.

There are donation points at the University's Students' Union Reception until December 16 to drop off boxes or people can drop them directly to New Beginnings.

Items that can be donated include face masks, antibacterial gel, chocolate bars, body spray, nail files, puzzles and books.