HUNDREDS OF people gathered to watch Santa Claus sail into Poole Quay this morning.

He arrived around 11am with Mrs Claus and dozens of little elves.

Organised by the recently formed Poole BID the Christmas celebration was deemed a "success".

With around 30 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 was 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.

Thankfully Poole BID stepped in to organise the event with the help of City Cruises Poole - who delivered Santa safely to shore with the RNLI boat and Dolphin 3 charity boat forming a festive flotilla in the harbour.

Carlie Palmer, Poole BID manager, said "This is the BID's first official event and we are so pleased with how it's turned out.

"We had to put it together pretty quickly but it seems to be a real success. We've had loads of people turn out for it and hopefully can bring it back again next year."