THOUSANDS lined Poole Quay as Father Christmas arrived on an RNLI lifeboat to kick-start the festive season.

The much loved annual tradition, initially axed after Dolphin Centre bosses cited its popularity as a safety risk, drew bumper crowds as children and adults alike excitedly waved at Santa from the shore.

Accompanied by the stars of Poole's panto, Robin Hood, Santa was greeted by the mayor, Cllr Peter Adams, before boarding the land train for a trip up and down the quay - with performances from the TS Drax Sea Cadets Marching Band, Zumba Reindeer and Bournemouth Carnival Band adding to the seasonal atmosphere.

The event's organiser, Poole Tourism's Graham Richardson, said between 4,000 and 5,000 people had attended.

“I am really pleased with the turnout,” he added. “It's wonderful to see everybody enjoying themselves on this crisp afternoon.

“The Santa walkabout was exceptionally popular and the children loved having their pictures taken with the main man.”

Poole council leader, Cllr Elaine Atkinson, praised the petitioners who campaigned to save the tradition after fears it was set to end, but insisted she would never have let that happen.

“It is great that so many people got behind the parade,” she added.

“I am delighted with it and I thank the RNLI for stepping in at such short notice to bring Santa.”

Among those enjoying the festivities were sisters Gabriella and Francesca O'Sullivan, both in their 20s, who said they had enjoyed coming to the event since they were small children.

“We were so pleased when we heard Santa would still be arriving by boat again this year,” added Gabriella. “It's always been magical to us - I think it's fantastic and gets everybody into the Christmas mood.”

After Santa bid farewell to the crowds, a group of illuminated boats took part in the Flotilla of Lights, with hundreds of people again crowding the shoreline to get a glimpse of the brightly decorated vessels.