Fireworks on Deal seafront greeted the New Year at midnight when an estimated crowd of 500 people enjoyed the display.

They also watched the historic ball on the Timeball Tower drop at 12 to mark the arrival of 2009.

Tower trustee Marlene Burnham said: “The cheers that sounded when the ball lit up were super.

“Visitors to the seafront landmark later on New Year’s Day numbered approximately 60 in just two hours!

“I hardly stopped taking money, it was really great to have the enthusiasm from people. All in all it was a very successful New Year event for the timeball.

“On behalf of Deal Museum Trust, grateful thanks must go to the Mercury for publicising our events.”

The King’s Head pub, Beach Street, organised the fireworks display and the double New Year events have become a popular seafront attraction for Deal.