ALL the stops were pulled out to ensure Broadstone’s 44th annual Christmas parade was the biggest and best yet.

Crowds thronged the busy centre as local people turned out in force to cheer on the colourful Santa parade, right.

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“They were about five deep all the way along the Broadway. It was very successful. It was one of the best,” said organiser Amanda Bursey.

Roads were closed as the 31-strong parade wended its way through the centre of Broadstone, from Story Lane, along the Broadway and Dunyeats Road.

Father Christmas led the way to the delight of the children, with playgroups, schools, charities, Brownies, Cubs, Beavers, Scouts and Guides represented in the parade, along with marching bands.

Among the imaginative floats, an 1895 traction engine and a Dorset Fire and Rescue Service fire engine added to the atmosphere.

There were six category winners and the overall winner was the Little People Kindergarten, who took home the trophy, sponsored by SOS Swim.

After leading the parade, Santa took his place in his grotto at Broadstone Methodist Church Centre where he received presents from children for distribution to youngsters in care via the Ted Webster Family Centre in Poole.

Volunteers with buckets collected donations for the parade’s two charities, Leukaemia Educating and Fundraising and Broadstone Scout Group.