Poole transformed into a Parisian paradise when thousands of visitors sampled French foods.

More than 30 market traders from all over Normandy invaded the town for the fifth annual French festival on September 11, 1999.

Clear blue skies drew out bargain hunters as early as 8am and by noon the quay was heaving with hungry crowds.

Beautiful aromas of rich cheeses, garlic and fresh bread permeated the air as market-goers jostled their way through the stalls.

French baguettes flew from the market stalls when crowds gravitated towards those selling cakes, croissants and bread.

Many visitors were simply content to browse among the stalls selling everything from recycled glass, lace, jewellery to bedding.

Snippets of conversation in broken French and English brought smiles to traders and customers alike, but that couldn’t stop the international language of trading from flourishing.

Poole-Cherbourg twinning chiefs climbed on board a 1936 Paris bus to help promote ties between the two regions.