Deal's carnival week kicked off with the Teddy Bear Picnic on Walmer Green this afternoon (Saturday).

The weather held out for a day of fun, games and the Teddy carnival court selection.

Gabriella Phillips, 3, was thrilled that her bear Porridge won the title of Carnival Queen.

The princesses were three-year-old Fleur Lamb's Birthday Bear and Preston Beadle, 2, with his Cher Bear from Creative Minds Nursery in Deal.

John Trickey, carnival chairman, said it was a great turn-out.

He said: "We were a bit worried at the start because of the high winds but it's lovely now.

"We've had some really great prizes with free sweets, 'annoying oranges' and drinks as well as fairground rides."

The children entered into a treasure hunt to each gazebo before they could claim their prize.

Mr Trickey said: "We do hope the people of Deal support the carnival. The cost of everything is going up and we do hope they support us by making donations."

The Teddy Bear court selection was 50p to enter and was judged by Cllr Marlene Burnham, Mayoress Tracy Carr and sponsor Cheryl Chapman. They had the hard job of deciding from the 72 entrants, who should be the winning court.

Each entry was assisted by the Carnival Court girls before claiming their medals.

Last night (Friday) for the first time organisers held a Miss Ocean Rooms sponsored by the new Ocean Rooms night club in Queen Street.

The winner was Kira Stewart, 18, the current Deal Regatta Queen.

She won free entry to Ocean Rooms for two people for a year and will also help doing promotional work for the club.

She also won a bouquet of flowers and make-up products.

Unfortunately there was no entrants to the Regatta Drag Queen contest.

Tonight will see Party on the Green from 7pm.

Tomorrow there will be the Regatta Swim, Castles Raft Race and the Lorry Pull.