A MONTH-LONG event celebrating the best Wimborne has to offer will launch with an Easter-themed dog parade.

More than 100 businesses will take part in the second annual Discover Wimborne festival next month. The event will begin on April 1 with 'the great Easter pug parade' at The Olive Branch in East Borough.

All dogs and their owners are welcome to join the parade, which will also feature 'best bonnet' and 'Easter dress' competitions.

On the same day, an Easter egg hunt and quiz will take place at Wimborne Model Town.

In total, visitors can enjoy 140 activities during the course of April, with a range of promotions and events on offer.

Business owners will host a 'wellness' day, free pilates sessions, antique valuations, live music and tombolas.

There will also be town tours and walks and a competition to find Wimborne's best Yorkshire pudding chef.

The Welsh Kenfig Hill Male Voice Choir will return to the town to sing in the Minster church on Saturday, April 21.

Wimborne's business improvement district manager Tammy Sleet said: "Discover Wimborne promises to be better than ever this year with more businesses participating.

"It’s an opportunity to showcase the whole town and for every business to join forces and raise their profile.

"Many events are free and there really is something for everyone.

"It’s great to see businesses working together to provide opportunities for residents and visitors.

"Everyone can be assured of a warm Wimborne welcome this April."

More than 3,000 people attended last year's Discover Wimborne festival.

Organisers of the 2017 event divided the town into four 'zones' - shopping, food and drink, business and culture.

Tammy said those who visited were encouraged to "discover Wimborne as a destination".

"We want to celebrate everything that our beautiful town has to offer," she said.

For more information, or to see a programme, visit the tourist information centre, the community learning and resource centre, the model town, Walford Mill, Allendale House or the Tivoli Theatre.