KINSON'S first Christmas festival for years was a runaway success at the weekend.

The Kinson Village Christmas event on Saturday saw members of the community turn out to greet Santa Claus and welcome him to his grotto on the green.

The Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Rod Cooper, officially opened the event in the morning, before youngsters and families greeted Santa.

Events throughout the day included a children's fancy dress competition, a Christmas market and carols around the tree in the afternoon.

Pupils from Kinson Primary School and Bourne Academy also joined in the fun.

The free event was put together by the Kinson Business Forum, which was formed earlier this year in a bid to revitalise the area.

Chairman of the Kinson Business Forum, Ramesh Lal said he was delighted with the turnout.

"It's fantastic. Everyone has worked so hard and it's all happened now thanks to a lot of hard work”, he said.

"It's not just the KBF but all the volunteers and North Bournemouth Rotary Club have donated presents for Santa to give out."

Mr Lal said the event represented the community spirit present in Kinson.

It was also supported by a number of organisations including the Rotary Club of Bournemouth North, Bournemouth Borough Council and Bournemouth Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Daily Echo and Advertiser newspapers.

For more on the weekend's Christmas lights switch-ons and news on the upcoming events visit bournemouthecho.co.uk/christmas