SANTA Claus will be returning to Poole Quay on Saturday thanks to Poole BID and City Cruises.

He will come ashore on the Quay at 11am accompanied by local children all eager to make sure they are on his ‘nice’ list this Christmas.

Father Christmas is the special guest of the recently formed Poole BID - which has organised an exciting celebration to welcome Christmas to the Quay.

With local traders running market stalls selling Christmas gifts such as jewellery, craft items and food, as well as live entertainment including carol singing, stilt walkers and magicians - there will be something for all ages to enjoy.

It comes after a great deal of uncertainty around whether or not Santa would be returning to the town this Christmas.

For almost 20 years Father Christmas was brought ashore by the Poole RNLI's lifeboat crew.

However this is no longer possible since the crew retired its all-weather lifeboat earlier this month.

The 2015 event was also the last one to be run by Poole Tourism - which also stepped in last minute to save the parade in 2014.

however the council has since said that due to funding cuts they are now unable to pay for it.

Thankfully Poole BID have stepped up to organise the event with the help of City Cruises Poole - who will be making sure Santa lands safely with the RNLI boat and Dolphin 3 charity boat forming a festive flotilla in the harbour.

Father Christmas will be arriving at the Quay at 11am and his elves will accompany him as he walks along the Quay meeting the crowds.

He will then take up residence in his grotto at the Quayside Emporium, ready to meet youngsters and find out what they want Christmas.

Jenny Wilde from Poole BID said: “We are delighted that Santa is coming to Poole Quay this year and there will be a wonderful festive atmosphere all day. There will be lots to see and do.”

"Many of the town’s businesses have joined together to put on this extravaganza which should put everyone in the mood for Christmas."

The Quay will be closed to traffic for the day so families can enjoy the event safely.