YOUNGSTERS had a visit from Father Christmas, got dressed up and fed donkeys at Southbourne’s Christmas on the Green event on Saturday.

Aside from the man in red himself, residents and visitors were entertained by carols sung by local choirs, mulled wine and mince pies and a host of family activities which helped to create a truly festive atmosphere.

See all of our pictures from the event here.

The event was organised by Southbourne on Sea Business Association (SOSBA) in cooperation with Bournemouth Coastal BID.

Sam Acton, chairman of Southbourne on Sea Business Association and ‘chief elf’, said: “It was a very community spirited event which was helped greatly by the wonderful carol singing, which drew people down from quite far away.

“We had a few hundred people coming through, some of whom were planning to come but others had only heard about it this morning.

“It was also really well supported by local businesses who came out and set up stalls on the green for the day.

Southbourne’s Christmas lights were switched on last month by Bournemouth mayor Chris Mayne, an event also marked with music from the Southbourne Community Singers, as well as the arrival of Santa’s post box on the green.