A COLOURFUL parade brought Christmas cheer to Wimborne on Saturday.

Dozens of floats made their way through the town centre for the 30th annual Save The Children Parade.

Schoolchildren, Scout groups, and staff from local businesses were among the hundreds taking part in the parade, which was led by police and the fire service.

Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the festive floats make their way from Cobhams to the Square, with some memorable creations including a giant Christmas pudding by Priest House Museum and a huge inflatable globe by the Good News Church.

Several marching bands provided the soundtrack to the parade, and the Gugge 2000 band entertained the crowds while they waited for the floats to arrive at the Square.

The event, which is a highlight of the town's Christmas calendar, helped raise money for Save The Children. Fundraisers, many of whom were in fancy dress, walked alongside the parade with buckets to help collect donations.

Alison Preston, chair of Save the Children Wimborne, thanked those who took part in the parade and members of the public who supported the event.
She said the donations raised will benefit children in developing countries.

"Nothing stops the people of Wimborne and friends having a good time. Despite,  extremely inclement weather, the 30th Wimborne Save the Children Christmas Parade continued with great good humour and fortitude," she said.

"Thank you to the bands that played on regardless of the soaking rain; to all those who took part, smiling all the way, and especially to the crowds who made it all worth while. 

"The children supported by Save the Children, millions of whom have not even enough food to eat, let alone know what a present is, will benefit greatly from your kindness."