Torquay's Gift Fair is guaranteed for a further three years after a contract was signed between host, the Riviera International Conference Centre and organisers Hale Events.

The show, which has been coming to RICC for the past 17 years, is the first major gift trade show of the year with more than 350 companies exhibiting and nearly 7,000 visitors from across the UK.

Popular with buyers and exhibitors alike, the show not only gives new companies a launching pad before the bigger trade shows at Birmingham and London later in the year but also gives buyers a head start over their competition allowing them to spot forthcoming trends in time for Valentine's Day and Easter.

The fair is organised by Hale Events who say the three year contract is good news. Jane Pyatt, spokesman for Hale Events, said: "We enjoy the ambience and relaxed environment which is created in and around RICC and the Bay. The three year contract achieves continuity."

Barry Cole, managing director of RICC, said another reason the show is popular is because there's a good range of accommodation close by.

He said: "The exhibitors and buyers seem to really enjoy coming here and everyone does their best to make them feel welcome".

"The hoteliers enjoy it coming early in January as it can be a quieter time in the Bay. Signing a three-year contract means they can plan and look forward."

The show will come to RICC from January 11 to 14 next year.