SANTA received a warm welcome when he held a special meet and greet event at Poole Quay.

Crowds of people lined the quayside to see the man of the moment arrive by boat.

Visitors got the chance to put letters in a special post box as well as make festive decorations in a Christmas craft marquee.

The event, held in the winter sunshine on Sunday, was one of a number organised for the festive season by Poole BID.

Christmas choirs will perform in the High Street on December 14 and festive films, including The Santa Clause, The Muppet Christmas Carol and Ice Age, will be screened in Falkland Square on December 21. BID manager Ailsa Wilson said: “You do not want to miss the vast range of activities we have arranged.”