HUNDREDS of little children carried brightly-coloured lanterns as part of an illuminated procession.

Poole’s traditional Lantern Parade took place on Thursday, December 8 by the Christmas tree in Falkland Square in the town centre under the night sky.

Students from Bearwood Primary School, Oakdale Junior School and Old Town Infants School walked down the high street carrying paper lights powered by LED bulbs.

The event formed part of the Christmas is a Breeze programme and was led by the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Xena Dion, alongside the Mayor’s Escorts.

After meandering down past the shops in the High Street, the gathering finished at the Guildhall, which had also been decorated for Christmas, to join the Old Town Conservation Group and St James’ Church choir for festive music and carols.

Hannah Porter, town centre operations manager, said: “It went really well. We had around 200 children from the three schools taking part, who had all made lanterns with Caroline Rackham from Wave Arts Education in their schools.

“We were also joined by the Poole Sea Cadets who took part in the parade and the Men’s Shed, who had created a big wooden Christmas tree.”

Hundreds of residents also lined the streets to watch the event with many wearing red hats for the occasion, including Father Christmas, who made an appearance ahead of December 25.

John Corderoy, managing director of Breeze Volkswagen, said: “This is a wonderfully atmospheric family event, packed with traditional Christmas spirit, which we really enjoy being part of.

“More of the community than ever took part and they loved every moment of creating their lanterns.”