Marching bands, majorettes, dance troupes and beauty queens were among the awe inspiring sights and sounds of the 2011 Deal Carnival.

A riot of colour on costumes and hand decorated floats proved to be a spectacle to behold for towns folk who lined the streets to watch the procession.

John Trickey, chairman of the Deal, Walmer and Kingsdown Regatta Association, said: "The weather was fantastic, the crowd was superb, it was one of the best carnivals I have ever done."

He estimates about 70 entries took part - with many collecting funds from spectators to help continue future carnivals for the town. Adult and children’s dance groups helped increase the tempo and regulars foot entrants like Pop Eye generated bundles of laughs among children and adults alike.

Tom Ayres, a cashier at Homebase dressed as an Ace of Spades playing card with other colleagues in the Homebase Alice in Wonderland float.

Fellow worker Josie Mason carried a severed head in true style of the Queen of Hearts, whose catchphrase was "Off with her head."

Mr Trickey added: The carnival was a big ‘wow’.

"I get choked up every time we set off and I hear that roar from the crowd".