A PARADE organiser who has brought joy and crowds into Wimborne Minster for 21 years has stepped down.

Margery Ryan said she hopes the Save the Children Festival of Christmas and parade will continue, and while she is happy to offer guidance she hopes a committee or someone else can now step forward to take up the reins.

Speaking to the Echo, Wimborne resident Mrs Ryan, 77, said she started the parade in 1989 and preparations each year had to start in September to get everything organised in time as its size has grown over the years.

“I’m having to hand over the reins to somebody a bit younger than me.”

She added: “It would be unthinkable not to start the Christmas season with it.

“It may be we have to think about some sort of committee.”

This year’s procession had 56 floats, groups or participants.

There was also music from choirs and bands, a display of vintage cars, the annual Pudding Stir in the Priest’s House Museum and Father Christmas in his Grotto.

Supporters of the parade also come in all age ranges, including a little girl from Weymouth who was too late to catch the parade, but proudly donated four plastic bags-worth of pennies into the collecting bucket.

Last minute disasters were also averted.

Father Christmas and the Snow Princess had been due to arrive in the parade drawn by a steam engine, but it was not available.

Another engine was found but during a test on the day before the parade the machine broke down.

At the last minute Mrs Ryan was able to get a tractor to pull the float.

She added: “I do wish to express my thanks to everyone.”

This year’s parade has raised over £2,500 but further money is coming into from a concert in the Minster church and carol singing.

The cash will be sent onwards to Save the Children headquarters.