AFTER stepping in to save the Santa parade last year, Poole Tourism is running it for the final time this festive season.

Santa will arrive at Poole Quay on Sunday November 29 and Borough of Poole is hoping to encourage others to take on organising an event next year.

A smaller parade was arranged last year following an outcry after the Dolphin Shopping Centre axed the traditional parade saying it had grown too big to safely manage.

"We know that lots of people enjoy Santa's arrival on the quay and last year with help from the RNLI, Lighthouse, Sainsbury's and other businesses we were able to arrange it as part of another community event," said Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder.

"This year we are delighted that it is taking place as a smaller event in its own right and we hope that people come and enjoy it. Our thanks go to everyone who has supported us again.

"Unfortunately because of significant and on going funding cuts facing the council, this is the last year we are able to pay for the event. We want to make residents aware now and give as much notice as possible so that any other organisations or community groups who would want to fund and deliver the event have the chance to get in touch.”

Supported by the RNLI, Santa will be arriving by decorated lifeboat at 10am, before boarding Poole Land Train for a trip along Poole Quay accompanied by Dorset Youth Marching Band, Zumba Snowmen and some of the cast from Lighthouse’s panto, Peter Pan.

Santa and his helpers will then do a slow walkabout along the quay from the old Corkers Restaurant to the Thistle Hotel, to meet the crowds, giving out goodies donated by the town centre Sainsburys, plus independent shops Truly Scrumptious and The Cabin.

Sainsbury's Poole store manager Kevin Strowger said: “We love to get involved in the Christmas parade, it is a great community event helping to boost the spirit of Christmas.”

Entertaining the crowds will be Bournemouth Carnival Band, Jamie Jigsaw, stilt walkers, fire performers and a plate spinning penguin. Santa will leave the quay at 12noon by RNLI Lifeboat.

Groups and organisations interested in the future of the event can contact tourism@pooletourism.com.