by Adam Williams

awilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

Herne Bay famous faces John Altman and Nicki Chapman had a stiff challenge on their hands as guest judges at the annual beach hut competition.

A fiercely contested event saw owners get right into the festival spirit with an array of colourful designs and themes for their huts.

Former EastEnders star John and TV personality Nicki were joined by Jenny and David Cross from the Friends of the Herne Bay Museum in the judging as the number of entries exceeded expectations.

Organiser Andrew Cook was overwhelmed with the response.

He said: “The sun came out to shine and many hut owners frantically dressed theirs in time for judging.

“Competition was fierce and the quality was higher than ever before, some owners came from as far away as Yorkshire to enter. We had to give out some additional prizes to make the judges’ lives a bit easier.

“Jill Bell eventually took the honours for best dressed hut with her Mrs Sweeney Todd theme.

“It was great to have both Nicki and John there as they are firm believers of what Herne Bay has to offer and the town’s future potential.”