Minions, Father Christmas and a giant blue whale were just some of colourful characters on display at Deal's 2022 carnival parade.

Thousands of families, friends and children lined the streets along the seafront to watch as scores of floats passed in the procession which dates back more than 100 years.

Watch: Dozens of floats took part in the procession

Kicking off at 7pm last night in Walmer, the parade continued onto Deal, past its castle, pier and beach, before dispersing in Godwyn Road.

Spectators were treated to hugs from yellow and purple Minions, thrown sweets from moving vans and clapped and danced along to an array of popular tunes.

As well as Deal's carnival court, queens and princesses from other towns, including Dover, Ramsgate and Teynham, were seen in the parade.

East Kent Climate Action had created a giant blue whale made from discarded waste for their offering, which donned the message 'let's use less plastic'.

Another of their posters read 'stop plastic, stop big oil, stop climate change'.

It came after the Maritime and Coastguard Agency revealed an oil spill in the Channel yesterday was due to reach Deal's shoreline. The cause of the oil slick is not yet known.

Rainbow flags were held high for Dover and Deal Prides, while members of Midlife Movers danced their way along the parade.

Junior footballers, dance squads, the Rotary Pirates, and Pick Deal Clean were also among the floats, as were many more.

A family fun fair was also being enjoyed as part of the evening, which will remain along Walmer Green until Saturday, when a free cheese fest party will close the Regatta Week.

Events which have already been held include the Teddy Bears Picnic, lorry pull and wingwalking air display.

John Trickey, CEO of the Deal Community Carnival Association, said of the night: "It was absoolutely fantastic. One of our best yet.

"There were so many chiildren and it was a joy to see their faces. It makes it all worth while.

"We had double the number of floats as last year.

"The Party on the Prom on Wednesday was also brilliant. It was heaving. It felt like a festival.

"People have been coming up to me and thanking me. It does make me feel quite emotional."