A COLOURFUL carnival marked the start of summer for hundreds of people in Verwood over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

Community groups and residents turned out in force for the popular annual event through the East Dorset town centre.

Live entertainment was provided by The Stunt Riders followed by an explosive display by the Poole Field Gun Display team and music by the Meridian Corps of Drums.

The town’s new mayor Cllr Lindsey Dedden said: “The weather was just right – not too hot so people went to beach - and it stayed dry so it was very well attended. It was my first official duty as mayor which was lovely.”