CHEERING residents packed out the streets of Ferndown on Saturday afternoon for a special Jubilee-themed carnival.

The sun shone down on the procession which wound a circular route through streets including Cherry Grove, Church Road and Penny's Hill, before returning to Cherry Grove and into King George V playing fields.

There were 40 floats in this year's procession led by firefighters and watched by about 3,000 spectators.

This year in keeping with Jubilee Weekend, all the floats were decorated in a Jubilee theme.

On King George V Playing Fields, more than 5,000 people enjoyed a host of entertainment including Jubilee Sports Day, demonstrations and music.

There was music from Ringwood Pipe band which played a selection of marches, jigs and reels, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Mayor of Ferndown Cllr Maureen Godfrey performed the opening of the arena at 2.30pm.

Mums, dads and kids competed against each other in thrilling tug-of-war contests.

Other Jubilee sports included three-legged races, barrel rolling and egg and spoon events.

There was also a special Dog Training Exhibition courtesy of East Dorset and West Hants dog training club.

Talented pooches performed manoeuvres including fetch, carry, long-jump, running to a set point, high jump, passing through tunnels and over see-saws.

This year's Carnival Queen was 16-year-old Emma Ashley and her attendants, Joanna Halliard, 17, and Nicola Hopkins, 16, all from Ferndown.

Other fun in the main arena was a simulator machine, ice-cream vans, bouncy castle and children's fun rides.

Chairman of Ferndown Carnival Committee, John Howes, said: "We have been doing this for the past 14 years but we always like to think every year is bigger and better.

"For the past four years we have had very bad weather.

"So this is the first time it has been good for six or seven years."

FOR MORE ON DORSET'S GOLDEN JUBILEE EVENTS GO TO OUR DEDICATED SITE AT: http://www.thisisdorset.net/jubilee/