A FURLONG was converted into 200 metres when Ringwood's shopping centre was turned into a continental flavour piazza for a European Day.

Boulevardiers sipped their caf latte under parasols outside Frampton Mill while leggy can-can dancers provided ooh-la-la to the strains of French accordion music.

And the tempo and temperament was given a Latin feel as flamenco dancers Stephen Bishop and Julie Taylor performed to the accompaniment of a Spanish guitar.

There was even a gendarme patrolling the square decked with the flags of nations.

Ringwood's own Guernsey-born mayor Cllr Michael Thierry added his Channel Island touch to the proceedings which included a competition staged by the Happy Dogs rescue centre at Kingston for members of the public to identify the nationality of various breeds of dog on show.