HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Broadstone to watch the annual Christmas parade pass by on Saturday afternoon.

Robert Chalk took his children Maisie, nine, and Alice, six, along for the fun.

"It's always a really nice day," he said.

"It marks the start of Christmas for us."

The day began with a Christmas market and street music from the Broadstone Community Band.

Spectators lined the streets from 1pm before the parade at 1.30pm.

Later in the afternoon, Santa Claus collected gifts from children to deliver to the Ted Webster Family Centre in Parkstone.

Organiser Amanda Bursey said: "We're really pleased with how it went.

"A lot of people usually come out to take part. This year we had 30 floats, each with between 20 and 30 children either on or around them."

Funds raised from the event go to the Broadstone and Creekmoor Girl Guides, as well as towards the town's Christmas lights.