HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Verwood as the annual carnival procession swept through the town.

Residents then flocked to enjoy a day of family fun with an array of entertainers, stalls and fairground rides taking over Potterne Park on bank holiday Monday.

Activities got under way in the morning with the popular precession from The Hub car park along main roads in the town and down to the park.

The theme of this year’s procession was ‘Your Favourite Book’’, with scores of children and adults from a variety of community groups donning their best costumes aboard a range of decorated floats.

The parade was brought to life by the sound of several bands dotted throughout the line up.

Verwood Carnival committee chairman Shelley Rose told the Daily Echo: “There is always an amazing turn out. There is great community involvement in the carnival, which is brilliant.

“Things are jiggling a bit each year so there are different places where people congregate along the procession route to show their support.

“One of the things we try to organise is so that everyone doesn’t arrive at the park in one go but they still do after the procession, which is obviously great.”

After the gates opened at Potterne Park from 11am the main attraction was the daring stunts and acrobatics delivered by Jamie Squibb and his team of freestyle motorbike riders.

There were also displays from the Dolphin Marching Band, which took part in the procession, Ringwood-based Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre and children’s favourite Mr Merlin and Okey Dokey.

The event, which is organised by a team of dedicated volunteers, raises money for a number of local charities.

“It is lovely to see everyone in Verwood come together for the carnival every year,” Shelley said.

“I grew up here and I was part of the procession when I was a little girl – they are lovely memories.

“It is great to see everyone still being involved. This is now the 92nd year of Verwood Carnival.”