With its colourful floats, dancers, marching bands and beauty queens, Deal Carnival has tonight shown why it's one of the best in the South East.

The parade pulled off from The Beach in Walmer at 7pm with streams of carnival queens waving to the crowds from towns near and far.

Deal's procession always includes a vibrant succession of decorated floats, and this year was no different.

Three majorette teams twirled their batons with expert precision along the route, starting at The Strand, and continuing to the end of The Marina. The streets were lined with townsfolk to see the full assembly go by.

The entrants gathered on the Green at The Beach before the start, mixing with cheer leaders and troupes from clubs like Dance Dynamique, Dance with Danni and Fitness Linda Studio 30.

There were charities and businesses taking the opportunity for fun marketing including new Dover business Turner Entertainment, who offers mascots such as Frozen's Olaf and Mickey Mouse for hire.

Children waved at classmates and little girls marvelled at the Cinderella Coach pulled by horses. The Newfoundland dogs, Greyhounds and ponies were a great addition for the animal lovers.

This year's Spirit of the Carnival, judged by Mercury Editor Graham Smith, is Sgt's Mess Panto, for the second consecutive year.

Janis Young said: "Two years in a row. It's absolutely fantastic!"

Deal's carnival wouldn't be complete without Popeye, otherwise known as 84-year-old Ron Everett from Hastings.

He takes apart in carnivals all over Europe including France and Belgium. He has this year been invited to be take part in a parade in South Africa.

He said: "I always consider Deal my favourite carnival. It's got something about it. I don't know what it is."

For the full story and pages of carnival, Lorry Pull, Party on the Prom and Baby Show pictures, see the East Kent Mercury next Thursday.