A UNIQUE attraction added to Bournemouth town centre's Christmas celebrations has been hailed a success by organisers.

Aimed to bring a bit of seasonal cheer and goodwill, the inflatable Snow Globe has been seen at various points across the town where families and friends have been able to capture their very own winter wonderland moment.

Children and their parents, and even teenagers, have been drawn to its Christmassy glow where they've been able to play with fake snow - made from harmless cornstarch - and have a photo of their fun, presented to them there and then.

Run by the Bournemouth Town Centre Business Improvement District, chair Lisa Tucker, said: "So far the Snow Globe has visited Lansdowne and Old Christchurch Road, and has been incredibly popular, with well over 1,000 people getting their photos taken in the first few days alone. Best of all, it’s completely free, courtesy of the Town Centre BID, on behalf of the town centre businesses."

Monday afternoon was the third time St Michael's Primary School pupil three-year-old Molly Pike had visited the globe. But it was the first time with her sister, Phoebe, five.

Their mum, Kim, said: "They didn't want to come out! As soon as I told them it was time to go they said 'eurgh'.

"I liked the way it's moved around because it gets everyone going up as well as down into town, right across. That way they're exploring it a bit."

Adam Collings and Alex Morrison said they just wanted a bit of a laugh.

"It looked fun and quite interesting," Adam said.

Alex added: "I took one look and said I want to have a go at that."

Carly Marchant added: "We just spotted it and thought it was quite an innovative idea, particularly for the kids. It's something a bit different."

The globe is at Horseshoe Common until the end of today, and then at the Triangle from Thursday to Sunday from 12-6pm and until 8pm on Thursday to tie in with late-night shopping.

Additionally there will be glowing stilt-walkers popping up on Thursday evenings, and the Santa Express ride runs from Lower Gardens at Westover Road, to the Triangle with its hop-on hop-off service until December 30.

The Gardens of Light has ice-skating every day until January 3, complete with champagne bar and Bavarian food, and light pods as well as a digital candlelight installation across the grounds.