BOURNEMOUTH'S newest event got off to a flying start when thousands of people enjoyed the town's first-ever Metropole Market.

There was a carnival atmosphere as an eclectic mix of stalls and entertainment attracted the crowds to Holdenhurst Road.

Closed to traffic between the Lansdowne and St Paul's roundabouts, the long, straight stretch of road was buzzing with street entertainers and live music.

The air was filled with the delicious smells of an array of street food and many visitors were enjoying a cold beer or cider from one of the many stalls.

Holdenhurst Road is usually a relatively quiet area of town on Sundays but the event gave it a boost and attracted customers to businesses there.

Mike and Penny Davis were visiting their daughter, who recently started at Bournemouth University.

Penny said: "We came to see if she had settled in and stumbled across this market. It has a lovely atmosphere and I think it will be popular with the students."

Local resident Jack Wilde added: "It is nice to hear the music and see so many people at this end of town. The visitors usually go to the town centre or to the beach."

Street furniture was decorated with balloons and children's entertainers kept the little ones amused.

Stalls included glassware, clothing, Christmas decorations, jewellery, soaps and charms and there was a wide selection of produce on sale including vintage French bakery items, cheese and sausages.

For those who fancied a bit to eat there was a huge range of hot and cold food available as well as bars ad soft drink outlets.

Wartime vehicles stationed at the St Paul's end of the market attracted a great deal of attention and street walkers lifted the atmosphere further.

The Metropole Market will take place on the last Sunday of each month. The next event, scheduled for October 29, will have the theme Day of the Dead for Hallowe'en.