FATHER Christmas donned his golden boots once again for another packed Wareham Christmas parade, which celebrated its 60th anniversary this year.

The annual event, which attracted more than 2,000 people to the town centre, took place on Sunday.

As always, Santa was the star attraction and his mode of transport - usually kept a closely guarded secret until the day - was a boat this year.

In previous years he has arrived in a white stretch Hummer limousine and by a vintage fire truck.

And in much-loved tradition, Santa later appeared on the roof of the Red Lion Hotel in front of the crowds before making his way down the hotel’s 125ft chimney.

He then made himself at home at his Christmas grotto to the rear of the hotel where he greeted young visitors.

Chairman of the Wareham Father Christmas group, Colin Appleton, told the Daily Echo: “We had a huge parade. There were about 50 participants in the parade and it took the best part of an hour to complete.

“We had a wonderful time and we were very lucky with the weather after Saturday’s hammering.

“We had perfect conditions.”

Attractions in this year’s parade included motorcyclists, the town crier, stilt-walkers, dancing snowmen and an array of colourful costumes.

Colin added: “We are a community event, totally voluntary and mostly self-funding. This was the 60th year and we gave a commemorative Christmas tree bauble to the children when they came through the grotto. It was a really, really good day and evening.”