THOUSANDS of people greeted Santa Claus as he arrived back in Poole yesterday.

Families packed out Poole Quay to eagerly await the big man’s grand entrance on the RNLI all-weather lifeboat.

Poole Mayor Graham Wilson was on hand to meet Santa, Rudolph and stars of the Lighthouse pantomime Cinderella as they came ashore.

Lots of youngsters received a ‘high five’ hand clap from Santa as he wished them a ‘Merry Christmas’.

A cheer went up as the festive gang made their way onto Santa’s sleigh.

Heralded by tunes from the Dolphin Marching Band, they then made their way up the High Street to Santa’s grotto.

The Wessex Majorettes, stilt walkers and two real reindeer joined in the parade.

Nikki Todd, from Poole, was with friend Wendy Delaney and her son Lewis Delaney, three.

Nikki said: “We’ve come along the last couple of years. It’s a nice tradition, and it’s great for the kids.

“They love it.”

Poole couple Sharon and Stuart Blaby had brought along children Alicia, eight, Jodie, seven, three-year-old Kai, as well as 13-week-old Madison.

The little ones, who were clutching balloons, were in high spirits after spotting Santa.

Sharon said: “The kids enjoyed it. It marks the start of Christmas for them, and it’s a great event for the town.”

Organisers at Dolphin Shopping Centre, which ran the festivities, estimate the turnout was better than ever.

Dophin Centre manager John Grinnell said: “It was amazing to see so many smiling children along the High Street.”

Youngsters can meet Santa to tell him their Christmas wish list, get their photo taken and depart with a goodie bag for £5.

The centre will be opening late every Thursday in December until 9pm and there will also be extended Christmas shopping hours from Monday, December 12.