CATS, chimney sweeps and cheerleaders welcomed back the sunshine at the Ferndown carnival.

The reappearance of the sun made for a party atmosphere as a total of 42 colourful floats paraded through the town.

Ferndown Girl Guides waved their pom-poms from their High School Musical-themed float while members of Curves fitness club were simply purr-fect in their cat costumes.

First Ferndown Scouts were dressed as sooty sweeps on their Mary Poppins-themed float and saw their efforts rewarded with two honours - best large lorry and the overall prize.

Ferndown First School also took inspiration from a musical, celebrating the revival of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

The carnival made a little bit of history with the selection of a carnival prince for the first time.

Carnival queen Cassie Kimble, 18, travelled through the town with princesses Dallis Pitman and Jessica Robinson and young prince James Oliver, resplendent in suit and waistcoat, by her side.

The fun continued into the afternoon and evening as the crowds were entertained by Robbie Williams' impersonator Lee Pashley.

The singer's 40-minute set had all the revellers on their feet dancing and clapping as he belted out the star's top hits.

There was also a fun fair, beer tent and variety of stalls on the King George V playing fields.