The annual Blessing of the Seas by the Greek Orthodox Church community took place near the Nayland Rock at Margate main sands on Sunday.

The colourful day began with a service at St Michael the Archangel, the Greek Orthodox Church at Westbrook, led by the Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateria and attended by dozens of Kent dignitaries, including the Bishop of Dover, the Rt Rev Trevor Willmott and Thanet MPs Laura Sandys and Sir Roger Gale.

It was followed by a lunchtime parade along Canterbury Road with dozens of dignitaries and members of Thanet’s Greek community to the Nayland Rock area of Margate Main Sands, where white doves were released as a symbol of peace.

For the full story and more pictures, see this week's Thanet Extra.