CHOSEN from the depths of Ringwood Forest, this 40ft Norway spruce tree will be the focus of Christmas in Poole.

Carefully chopped down and placed on a long loader, it was brought to Falkland Square to be hoisted and decorated.

This traditional custom signalled the arrival of Poole's Christmas spirit with sackfuls of festive fun.

"This year's Christmas is our biggest and liveliest ever," said town centre manager Gaynor Forryan.

It begins with the grand switching on of the tree's 2,000 lights, on Thursday at 6.30pm.

Darren Bennett, Prince Charming in the Lighthouse panto Cinderella, will do the honours with Poole Mayor, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt.

The build-up to the arrival of Santa has begun and his RNLI lifeboat ties up at Poole Quay on Sunday November 19, at 10.30am.

Accompanied by a parade of dancers, marching bands and Mrs Christmas, he will make his way up the High Street to his grotto at the Dolphin Shopping Centre in the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car from the film.

Poole will have its first traditional German market, every Thursday from November 30 to December 31. On December 14 at 6pm a children's lantern procession will wend its way from Falkland Square to the Guildhall for carol singing.

And when the seasonal festivities are over there will be the synthetic ice rink in Falkland Square from February 17 to 24. "I believe we have catered for all age groups with the choice we have on offer," said Gaynor.