THE festive season arrived in style as two New Forest towns held their annual Christmas extravaganzas.

Reindeer drew Father Christmas on his sleigh through the streets of Ringwood in front of record crowds.

From the Market Place to the Furlong Centre, the sleigh ride route was thronged with revellers enjoying the spectacle and the jingle bells were echoed by the ringing of tills as shops, market stalls, and street traders did a roaring trade as shoppers flocked by night.

Joining Father Christmas in the sleigh were snow princesses Katie Pope, six, and eight-year-old Jayde Carter while carnival queen Samantha Elvy rode in style on the Ringwood Brewery dray drawn by Jim Beck's shire horses.

"There were thousands of people in the town, more than I have ever seen before," said carnival organiser Belinda Charlton.

Proceeds from collections made in the Furlong and along the parade route will go to the town's Christmas lighting fund and the Julia's House children's hospice appeal.

Peter Pan and his pirates from Tiptoe Primary School plundered the fancy dress first prize booty when New Milton Lions club's annual Christmas carnival procession sailed through the town on Saturday.

With Lions president Robin Jackson resplendent as Captain Hook, there was a novel theme to this year's parade with many of the colourful characters and floats inspired by favourite books.

Pupils and staff from Durlston Court School were judged best float for their Wind in the Willows tableau with the Alice in Wonderland entry staged by New Milton Junior School as runner up.

Arnewood School student Laura was joined on the parade by snow princess sisters Kathryn, 12, and Natasha Orr, aged 10.

Proceeds from the carnival and a collection taken along the route will go to the First Opportunities special needs preschool based at Ashley Junior School.