A child refugee who is the current Mini-Miss Ukraine will become part of the Deal Carnival Court this year.

Khrystyna Klots, eight, who fled the Russian invasion with her family this spring is now living with her mother, Natalia, and brother Myroslav, 11, at the home of a Walmer family.

She was made an honorary princess in Deal's Junior Court and will be on its float during the procession on Thursday, July 28.

Her first official event, along with Deal's Rosebud Queen Ruby-Rose Cheap, will be to open the Teddy Bears' Picnic at the start of the carnival week on Saturday, July 23.

Khrystyna was the current Mini-Miss Ukraine when she and her family fled their country on April 16, first flying to Poland and then reaching England at Luton Airport.

The Kent host family, who do not want to be identified, had registered with the government's Homes for Ukraine scheme and eventually made contact with the Klots through a Ukrainian already living in the county.

A family member told KentOnline: "They have settled here very well and Khrystyna is very excited about becoming a Deal Carnival princess.

"She is already used to being interviewed, even on television, as she was a carnival princess in her own country."

Khrystyna currently attends Downs Primary School in Walmer and Myroslav is at Goodwin Academy in Deal.

The carnival programme will also include daredevils from the AeroSuperBatics carrying out stunts on aeroplane wings between 5pm and 6pm on Sunday, July 24.

They can been seen from Deal Seafront where there will also be a performance by the Croydon Steel Orchestra, from 1pm to 3pm, followed by a truck pull.

A classic car show takes place at Walmer Green from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, July 30.

To enter this show, contact 07730 759383 or email gljt11@icloud.com.