THIS year's Lytchett Minster and Upton Carnival delivered another packed afternoon of family fun and entertainment with a colourful and creative parade.

The popular annual event took place yesterday and was kickstarted with the parade at 1pm.

Hundreds of residents lined the procession route as a wide range of floats and performers cascaded by in jovial spirits.

The parade left factory road before heading down Poole Road, Dorchester Road, Moorland Way, Sandy Lane, Sea View Road and back on Dorchester Road to enter the recreation ground through Oakley Gardens.

From Toy Story to Fortnite and marching bands to majorettes, the crowds cheered all the floats as they went by.

After the parade had finished, there was a host of activities at the recreation ground, including a fayre ground, food and drink stalls, live music, performances and many trade and voluntary/charity stalls.

Penny Brown, carnival media coordinator, said: "It has to be our best attended yet with early indications showing a foot fall of more than 3,500.

"The route was lined with happy waving supporters and the atmosphere was electric. Such an incredible amount of effort put in to all of the entries so a big well done and thank you to all of them.

"The recreation ground was packed with people enjoying the stalls, food, drink and entertainment. We have never seen such a large queue for the ice-cream van!

"We have received such wonderful feedback from everyone which has been brilliant, thank you.

"Upton has a very special and unique community and couple that with the support of our surrounding areas, it's clearly a recipe for success. It was the perfect day.

"Thank you to each and every one that made Carnival 2019 the happiest and most radiant yet. See you next year."

The winners from the carnival in various categories were:

Children

First: Upton Infants School with Global Explorers

Second: Upton Juniors with Save Our Countryside

Third: Upton Methodist Preschool with Toy Story

Adult

First: The Loureys with Rock and Roll

Second: The Dacombers with Back to the 80s

Walking

Poole Rugby Club

Community

Time To Dance with The Wizard of Oz

Business

Gemini Twirl Team

Best overall

Upton Infants School with Global Explorers