Westwood Cross celebrated five years as east Kent's biggest retail and leisure centre with a birthday bash for hundreds of shoppers.

Younger children enjoyed a bouncy castle and watched in awe as a balloon magician conjoured up a collection of weird and wonderful creatures.

Dozens of local performers also took to a giant stage for the Westwood Cross Talent Show, with passing shoppers treated to renditions of hits by Michael Jackson, Snow Patrol and David Gray, among others.

The contest was won by 12-year-old Molly Mallon, of Broadstairs, who took home a Wii games package and tickets to visit a professional recording studio. Alex Richardson, 15, of Whitstable, took second place, winning an iPod Touch, while Corrine Heady, 27, of Broadstairs, finished third, winning £100 worth of Next vouchers.

Tom Price, general manager at Westwood Cross, said: "It was a superb way to celebrate our fifth birthday, showcasing so many gifted young people and providing high quality entertainment for all our visitors."