CHARACTERS from the Wizard of Oz, folk in medieval dress, Father Christmas and husky dogs marched through Boscombe.

Miniature steam engines, a fire engine and dancers joined in the annual Boscombe Christmas Carnival procession on Sunday.

Poole Town Crier David Squires led the parade, which left from Kings Park and culminated with the turning on of the precinct’s Christmas lights.

Music came from Dolphin Marching Band and routines by the Phoenix Dance Academy and Wessex Majorettes.

Mascot Boscombe Bob waved to the crowds, and glowsticks were handed out to youngsters.

Children had a great time throughout the day, thanks to fairground rides, stalls and fancy dress competitions.

There was even a prize for the best dressed dog.

After the parade, boys and girls could meet Father Christmas in person at the PDSA gazebo outside the Sovereign Centre.

Nurses from the PDSA walked rescue dogs along the parade route, jangling collection buckets for the charity.

Winton mum Teresa Currie, 41, had brought along daughter Tiffany-Maria, five, and her friend Natasha Armstrong, seven.

The girls said: “We liked all of it.”

Ms Currie said: “We come every year. It cheers Tiffany up and now we’ll start getting ready for Christmas.

“We love watching the Christmas lights switch on. I think it’s been a beautiful day in sunny Boscombe.

“The organisers have done brilliantly. It often rains on carnival day, but it’s all gone really, really well.”