IN light of the cancellation of this year's Verwood Carnival due to the pandemic, the Daily Echo takes a look back at the event 20 years ago.

Smiling faces and sunshine was the order of the day on May 29, 2000 when the crowds turned out in force to join in the fun.

Brightly-decked floats were accompanied through the streets by walking bands and majorettes before an afternoon of entertainment in the recreation ground which featured record breaking strongman John Evans.

Other attractions in the main arena included a juggling act, inter-pub tug-of-war, and ballet.

The town's very own radio station Verwood FM provided music as it broadcast live from the event.

The procession, which was headed by a horse and carriage, featured around 20 groups including Verwood Rugby Club, the Rossgarth Youth football team, Wessex International Majorettes and the Gugge 2000 band.