THOUSANDS of residents turned out to see Father Christmas and a whole host of floats head through the town of Wareham this afternoon.

Children’s faces lit up as they lined North Street to watch a stream of colourful characters, including Christmas presents, snowmen, reindeer, and even a group of men who appeared to be elves on a roller coaster.

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Father Christmas arrived on a Ferret Scout car before dashing away in his golden boots into the Red Lion pub.

There was mystery in the air as children guessed where the festive man in red had gone before he reappeared out of the top of the chimney, waved at the crowds and then disappeared off to greet families and hear children’s wishes ahead of Christmas Eve.

Ian Stainer, master of ceremonies and a member of both the Wareham Father Christmas committee and Christmas lights committee, said: “It went brilliantly. It was well-attended, despite the weather, and our grateful thanks go to the Angel Voices, Wareham Handbell Ringers, Local Vocals, and Izzy Cutchens.

“I think that we probably had about 2,000 people who came along. The turn out was marvellous as it’s all put on by people from Wareham town and we work throughout the year to raise some money to put it all together.

“Thank you to the Colin Appleton, chair of the Wareham Father Christmas committee and Ray Derrick, chair of Wareham Christmas Lights committee and their teams, as well as all the groups who came along and joined in the parade.”