HUNDREDS of families came together to showcase all that is great about their Poole community.

The return of Come Outside in Ashley Road included free-activities for families as well as live music, a bouncy castle, face painting and stalls.

The event’s hub was hosted at St John’s Church for a second year. Attendees were greeted with town crier David Squire as well as Poole’s Mayor and Mayoress Tony and Ann Trent, who opened the event.

Traders along Ashley Road got stuck in as well, running everything from barbecues to a meet the dinosaur experience.

Residents Millie Earl and Martyn Pope first organised Come Outside in 2021 as a positive celebration for the Parkstone community.

The event has now been adopted by the newly formed Parkstone Community Group, which was founded by Millie and Martyn alongside otherresidents in January this year.

Come Outside supported many charities including Abbie’s Army, Caring Canines, Marie Curie and The Bone Cancer Research Trust.

Martyn said: “I continually say that Parkstone is great place to live. The good thing about Come Outside is that it shines light on Ashley Road at its best.

"Our local traders continue to trade in turbulent times and it’s great that we, as Parkstone Community Group, can draw on resources and community spirit to support them.

"After the successes of Parkstone’s Big Jubilee Picnic and Come Outside, we will continue to plan more events for the future.”

Millie, who is also a Lib Dem Councillor for the area, added: “It’s wonderful that Parkstone Community Group is growing and bringing something really positive to our area.

"We’re really pleased to help our community thrive and support our valuable traders in the shopping district. I’m very much looking forward to next year’s event already.”