VERWOOD community turned out in force for the annual carnival at the weekend.

From suffragettes to majorettes, groups of all ages gathered to take part in the popular procession, supported by residents along the route.

Members of the Royal British Legion Women’s Section dug out their dungarees to dress-up as land girls, while the Verwood Townswomen Guild donned their suffragist costumes.

See all the pictures from Verwood Carnival in our new-look picture gallery

The group are celebrating the 85th anniversary of the organisation this year, which formed as a result of the work of the Suffragettes.

Verwood Panto Society were resplendent in their Chinese silk, while Port Breedy Allstars grabbed the glitter pots to get dressed up for their military majorettes display.

Youngsters from Hillside First School went back in time for their ‘Remembering the Fallen’ themed entry.

Pupils helped to create two planes and were dressed as pilots and nurses to commemorate the centenary of World War One and the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

Melanie Jones and Alison Field helped to organise the entry as part of the school’s PTA (Parent Teacher Association).

Melanie said: “We take part every year and decided this year to commemorate both World Wars by Remembering the Fallen.”

Mayor of Verwood, Cllr Pat Morrow, said: “The carnival is marvellous; it is a terrific event and this year should be really well-supported.

“It raises a fantastic amount of money for charity and is a highlight for the community.”

Carnival queen Samantha Atyeo-Pearson was joined by princesses Molly Taylor and Tia Feeney in an eye-catching red Cadillac while members of Verwood’s rainbows, brownies and guide groups brought a flavour of the Rio carnival with their World Cup float.

Music was provided by Verwood Concert Brass, which is also celebrating a special event this year – the band’s 150th anniversary.