WITH less than a week to go until Christmas it looks like even our canine companions are getting in the festive spirit.

Dozens of dogs turned up to Westbourne Arcade on Friday wearing a variety of pawesome festive knits.

The barkingly brilliant costumes were all in aid of the Big Christmas Jumper Appeal - a national initiative raising funds for Save the Children, Macmillan Cancer Support and Make-A-Wish UK.

Humans and the four-legged friends were encouraged to meet for a group photo in Westbourne’s arcade wearing their Christmas jumpers and to donate £2 for the Text Santa Appeal.

The Mayor of Bournemouth, John Adams, also joined in the fun and did his bit in a Christmas knit.

Local businesses and toddlers from West Cliff Church pre- school group were also at the event, organised by the Westbourne Business Association.

As an extra special incentive to get involved, The Terrace Café offered bacon butties from half price to anyone dressed in a Christmas jumper.

Lia Martin, a director of the Westbourne Business Association and marketing manager at A-One Insurance said: “We are delighted that the community of Westbourne has come out in force to support The Big Christmas Jumper fundraising and so many are showing their festive spirit.

"We want to thank everyone for their involvement.

"We have also been encouraging people to donate food and winter jumpers to a collection point at A-One Insurance in Westbourne.

"All food donations will be made to the Bournemouth Food Bank and the jumpers will be donated to a local homeless charity.

"We are taking donations right up until Christmas Eve.”

To find out more about what's on offer in the village over the Christmas period go to www.discoverwestbourne.co.uk