Best of British at Highcliffe Christmas Carnival

The procession, which started at 6pm in Beacon Drive and made its way through the village centre to The Globe Inn, included baton twirling from Wessex Majorettes, and a host of British characters on the back of a lorry driven by Top Gear’s The Stig.

The carnival, now in its ninth year, was back after a one-year break due to funding issues. But this year organisers were able to attract more sponsorship from local traders and residents.

For the first time it ran alongside a Christmas gift fair in Hoburne Courtyard, and there was live music from Swing Unlimited and The Songbirds.

Many spectators also joined in a Christmas songs flash mob with The Rock Choir before the parade began.

Among the many local families lining Lymington Road were mum Sarah Prouse, 42, with husband Mark, 45, and youngsters Holly, ten, and Joseph, seven, who were enjoying pointing out their school friends taking part.

Mrs Prouse said: “It has been very good fun, although it is very cold. The children are always excited about coming down here, and it is just great to have a big community event like this where you can come out and see everybody.”

Graham West, 49, who was watching the procession with partner Karen Barber, 40, and youngsters Harry, ten, Jasmine, seven, and Olivia, six, said: “We come every year when we know it is on, it is very good, but it is only by chance we heard about it this year. It could do to be a bit better advertised.”

Christmas Carnival Committee chairman Annie Reed said: “It was great to be holding the carnival again after a break last year.

“People were so disappointed that we were determined to make sure it went ahead this year, and it has been brilliant, I think there must have been about 3,000 people watching.”

Funds raised at the carnival are still being counted. They will be donated to Girl Guiding Highcliffe and Mudeford.

See all our pictures of Highcliffe Christmas Carnival here