THOUSANDS of people were out and about in Corfe Mullen to celebrate the annual village carnival.

Organisers said this year's event had attracted "bumper crowds" on Saturday.

The carnival procession featured 26 entries and stretched back for more than a mile through the village.

Alongside the main attraction, a range of entertainment was on offer at the recreation ground throughout the afternoon.

The event, which is in its 52nd year, is raising funds for five local good causes.

Paul Harrison, who has been involved in the running of the carnival since the 1990s, said it had been a great day for the village.

"It has been a bumper year for the carnival," he said.

"The procession was very popular as always. We had a great range from the 26 entries and there were a lot of people lining the streets to soak up the atmosphere.

"I have been talking to a lot people who have moved into the village recently and they all said how great it is to have an event which has such a genuine community feel.

"Some carnivals can lose that and feel slightly corporate, but this is a real community event for everyone to enjoy."

This year's carnival prince was Benjamin Jackson, aged 10, who goes to Lockyer's Middle School, and the princess was Morgan Summerson-Watson, also aged 10 and goes to Lockyer's Middle School.

They were joined by prince and princess attendant Bailey Evans, aged 7, who goes to Henbury View School, and Georgina Brindley, aged 9, who goes to Lockyer's Middle School.

Money collected at the event will be split between Harlequin Care, a support charity to unpaid carers, Ashley's Birthday Bank, an organisation that helps children and families, Friends of Dolphin, a project that provides a boat to give free pleasure trips to disabled people, Montacute School, a specialist eduction facility for young people with learning difficult or disabilities, and Forest Holme Hospice, an adult care centre in Poole.

Financial backing from a number of businesses allowed the canrival committee to allocate £1,500 towards making many of the attractions at the recreation ground free of charge or at a subsidised rate.

Mr Harrison said this allowed it to be an affordable affternoon out for the whole family.

"The charities will hopefully be able to put the money towards the fantastic work they do across Dorset," Mr Harrison added.

After the procession travelled from Ivor Road to the Recreation Ground, visitors were able to extend their day with the various entertainment on show.

This included the Bob Hogg lamb national and sheepdog display, field gun demonstrations, Punch and Judy, classic cars and ferret racing.

There was also a selection of trade stalls selling a range of goods.

The last event of the carnival takes place on Tuesday, with the fun run at the recreation ground.

Details and entry forms can be found at www.cm5k.co.uk. The event is open to both club and non-club runners.