An armada of art-adorned boats was part of the spectacular event to launch Poole’s Twin Sails Bridge.

Two yachts, provided by Parkstone and Poole yacht clubs, were decorated with illuminated sails and figureheads by youngsters and played a key role in the ceremony.

Boats representing Poole’s nautical history sailed through the lifting leaves of the bridge.

Organised by Lighthouse and funded through Heritage Lottery Fund’s Young Roots Programme, the project saw pupils from Poole High and Carter Community Schools, Turlin Moor Youth Centre and Poole Young Carers working with artists, a film maker, boat builders, older people and volunteers.

Around 2,000 local people watched as they sailed under the bridge and later the decorated boats caused a stir when they moored on Poole Quay as part of the evening entertainment.

There was also a lot of interest in “Bridge”, a film made as part of the project, which was projected onto Poole Museum as part of the Brilliance arts trail.