FOUR days of Golden Jubilee celebrations in Bournemouth are set to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

The family festival began on Saturday and is aimed at celebrating the talents of the town as well as 50 years of the Queen's reign.

Events around the Lower Gardens, pier and promenade have included a Young Pop Idol singing contest and displays of dance, aerobics, gymnastics and marshal arts. There were children's and adult fairground rides, stalls and a classic car display.

The fun continues today with entertainment including the Spiderman Band in the Gardens from 4-5pm. Tonight sees a musical evening with the After Eight Singers, performing everything from opera to the Spice Girls, in the Pier Theatre from 7.30pm.

The event has been organised by voluntary groups Difference Makers as "a showcase of entertainment displaying the young, up-and-coming talents of Bournemouth".

The proceeds will go to the mayor of Bournemouth's chosen charities.

It was a right royal occasion at Three Legged Cross First School, kicking off with a special assembly where different classes all played a part.

Verwood town councillor Roy Slade in his last engagement as Mayor presented Jubilee mugs to all the children to mark the Queen's 50 years.

He then officially opened the school's Jubilee Fete.

Mugs put a smile on the faces of hundreds of youngsters in Bransgore when parish council chairman Liza Wood visited the village school to present each pupil with a jubilee souvenir.

Mrs Wood, aided by vice-chairman Sally Owen and parish council school governor Sue Hughes handed out more than 300 of the celebration cups following a special assembly at the school.

Pupils at Pamphill First School re-enacted the Queen's Coronation, dressing as royalty and transforming their hall into Westminster Abbey.

Oldest girl Catherine Quill played the Queen and oldest boy Andrew Hawkins took the role of the archbishop.

Lytchett Matravers School came alive with the sound of music as parents performed a surprise assembly in tribute to the best pop acts of the last 50 years.

Pupils perfected their disc jockey skills during live broadcasts on the school's internal radio station.

And they ended the day by tucking into a lavish tea party provided by the parents.

Boscombe's Salvation Army Hall was a sea of colour when youngsters from Kids Alive Christian club celebrated with a special party.

Youngsters played games, including guess how many blue, white and red beans were in the jar, and pin the crown on the Queen.