Spilt drinks, smart outfits and super-fast pouring were all part of the fun at the waiters' race in Cromer Carnival.

Eastern Daily Press: Cromer Carnival waiter races. Picture: ANTONY KELLYCromer Carnival waiter races. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

Cold and windy weather early in the day led to a last-minute change of venue, and the usual spot on the Pier Forecourt was abandoned for the shelter of The Meadow.

But although there were slightly fewer people in the crowd than last year, dozens of north Norfolk's best waiters and waitresses still came out to compete.

'You don't just come here to play,' said 21-year-old Adam Fields from The Dales in Upper Sheringham who came second in the competition for best-dressed waiter. 'You go hard or you go home.'

Businesses from around the town were represented including the Red Lion Hotel, Cliftonville Hotel, Virginia Court Hotel, Breakers Cafe, Links Hotel in West Runton, Bella Vista restaurant the Sea Marge Hotel in Overstrand, The Pier Restaurant and The Dales in Upper Sheringham.

Eastern Daily Press: Cromer Carnival waiter races. Picture: ANTONY KELLYCromer Carnival waiter races. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

Belinda Cammell, owner of the Cliftonville Hotel, said: 'We come every year, it is in our family tradition and the staff really enjoy it. A lot of customers come every year to watch it.'

The sun shone at the races, and carnival chairman Tony Shipp said it the event had gone well, in spite of the bad weather earlier in the day.

He said: 'There is always a very high standard because they are all competing against other establishments so they want to impress.

'We have had a good turn out and I am pleased with the way it went.'

Eastern Daily Press: Cromer Carnival waiter races. Best Dressed competition.Picture: ANTONY KELLYCromer Carnival waiter races. Best Dressed competition.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

The waiters' and waitresses' race and best dressed competition are the oldest traditions in the carnival and have been taking place since the 1950s.

Grace Price-Jones, 25, has been competing in the race for seven years: 'It is easy, you get scared at first but it is a bit of fun.'

The winner of the waiters' race was Dean Smith from the Red Lion and the winner of the waitresses' race was Sarah Daniels from the Sea Marge Hotel.

Best dressed waiter was Oscar Henley-Adams from the Cliftonville Hotel and best dressed waitress was Elizabeth Zangerl from The Dales.

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