Fairy magic will raise much-needed cash for Cottingley Cornerstones Centre, which hosts a special market this Saturday.

The village found international fame in 1917 through the sensational photographs of schoolgirls Frances Griffiths and Elsie Wright which purported to show them playing with fairies in Cottingley Dell.

And now Cottingley’s first “professional fairy” Freyja Fire Sprite has organised a Fairy Market to help fund courses for local people at Cornerstones.

Former NHS staff nurse Freyja, of March Cote Lane, Cottingley, said: “I’ve been a professional full-time fairy since May and am doing a lot of work to spread happiness and laughter.

“I do a lot with schools and the library service to bring magical books alive.

“Fairies really are making a comeback in a big way, particularly after the success of films such as Lord Of The Rings.

“There’s a great deal of interest in natural spirits and some people take it very seriously.

“You can pay more than £200 for a pair of decent wings.

“There are magazines and international conventions – the Germans are mad about fairies,” said Freyja, 137 in fairy years.

She shares her home with two Indian pythons and partner Chris Wadeson, 52, a student who also doubles as a “steam punk hobgoblin” called “Blue Meanie.”

“We were at the recent Oakworth Fairy Fest and thought it would be great to organise something in Cottingley – the true home of fairies,” Freyja said.

“Cornerstones runs loads of courses for elderly people, children and those with special needs, so it should make them some valuable money,” she said.

“What we do is very tongue in cheek and great fun.

“Fairies are definitely making a comeback in Cottingley!” Freyja said.

  • Cottingley Fairy Market takes place on Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free to the event which will have up to 30 decorated stalls, all on a magical theme.