Deal's longest and biggest summer event kicks off next week with five days and nights packed with the thrills and spills of Deal Regatta Week.

Events are on land and sea, aimed at all ages from baby show entrants to glamorous grandmothers, and the annual event’s highlight is the carnival on Thursday, July 28.

Chairman of the Deal, Walmer and Kingsdown Regatta Association is John Trickey and the carnival court will be in Deal High Street on Saturday selling £1 programmes.

He said: "Come and meet the girls, say hello and even have your photograph taken with them.

"We will be in the precinct from 10am until 2pm, so see you there!"

The carnival court will also be dressed as pirates on Saturday night to tour the pubs in and around Deal collecting cash for the Party on the Prom event on Wednesday, July 27.

* For full story see the East Kent Mercury, July 14.

* Deal Regatta Week programmes are on sale for £1 from the East Kent Mercury office, 13 Queen Street, Deal, open Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm.