SCORES of children got to enjoy a magical winter wonderland in the centre of Ashley Cross in Parkstone on Sunday.

Organised by Jane Jones PR and Events, Christmas in the Park 2014 featured a huge inflatable Crystal Maze-style 'snow dome', a beautiful Christmas-themed tree full of people’s wishes for the new year, Gluwein bar and entertainment stage.

Poole town crier David Squire was on-hand to welcome Father Christmas into the park, before the festive man took residence in a grotto.

The idea, Jane Jones said, was to offer entertainment in the park in the centre of Parkstone which was free to attend and would help families celebrate the true festive spirit of Christmas.

She said: “We had Santa’s Grotto in a decorated horse box, Parkstone Sea Cadets did a display followed by SBLAS performing arts school who entertained residents by doing some hip hop dancing.

“Ahead of the event, which we have been planning for months with the support of Poole Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Ashley Cross Traders, Poole Bay Satellite Club and sponsorship from Aspray Estate Agents, initially it was the fear of the unknown because we have not done something like this before but I am really pleased with how it turned out.”

Jane added that the chosen charity of the event was Lewis-Manning Hospice, based in Lilliput, which offers support to local people living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

The hospice moved into a brand new state of the art facility in 2012 at Crichel Mount Road in Lilliput and benefits from stunning views of Poole Harbour.

Lewis-Manning Hospice has 15 en-suite bedrooms on the ground floor, all with their own private terrace offering respite, rehabilitation and end of life care.