IT was a day of dancing in the street when the annual Winton Carnival drew in the crowds.

Hundreds of residents lined the high street to watch the procession, while waving flags and joining in with the celebrations.

Despite the odd shower, spirits were far from dampened as community groups and organisations led the parade, from Calvin Street to Alma Road, running nearly the length of Wimborne Road.

There was an impressive display from the Dragon of the South Chinese dancers, and children from Winton Primary School, dressed as superheroes, danced and sang along with parents and teachers.

Shopkeepers came out to watch the entertainment while others held their own stalls outside giving away treats and free goods.

Calli Byrne, founder of the Staffie and Stray Rescue charity, said it was the perfect opportunity to raise funds for their dogs.

"We're here to try to raise awareness of these loving dogs and the work that we do," she said. "We want to let everyone know that staffies are very loving. People look at them and think they're devil dogs but they have got big hearts. There are more staffies then any other breed of dog. Anyone local can look us up."

Swift action from the carnival officials, paramedics and police saw the parade momentarily halted while they dealt with a woman who collapsed. But the procession soon continued as the woman was given medical attention and transferred to an ambulance.

East Dorset Friends of the Earth used the day to spread information about their cause, while cast from the Legally Blonde musical danced and mimed the words to promote their show dates.

There was also entertainment from the Hammond Academy of Performing Arts school.

Ria Laws, school finance manager at Moordown St John's Primary School, was part of the Save our Swimming Pool march which took part in the parade.

"Our swimming pool is 50-years-old and in desperate need of refurbishment so we launched a fundraiser to raise £27,000 so today is about trying to raise that money," she said.

"We've raised £25,000 so far so we we're on the final push now.

"We have not done the carnival before and we wanted to get out there and promote it for our appeal. It's nice to feel part of the community."