A Hawaiian-style catamaran, a one-man paddle steamer and a brick-shaped boat manned by lego men were among the crazy craft competing in this year's Sheringham Carnival raft race.
The event, which was organised by Lobster pub landlord Graham Deans, had to be brought forward an hour because of low tides but crowds still turned out in force to watch teams and individuals brave the waves in their home-made rafts.
Last year's winner John Rumsby took an early lead in his paddle steamer made from a surfboard, bicycle parts and old school chair, followed closely by Sheringham lifeboat helmsman Steve Banks and crew member Steve Price in their craft made from underground soil pipes.
The two teams were neck and neck on the home stretch, but the RNLI pair proved no match for Mr Rumsby, who won with ease, completing a lap of honour to the delight of the crowd lining the promenade.
Third place went to the Windham Arms lego head crew, who also bagged the trophy for best dressed raft, with a team of staff from Ellie's seafront café winning wackiest raft for their 'Ellie's Ark' twin-hulled boat adorned with bunting and a seagull flagpole.
Other teams included a group of pirates from Sheringham Primary School and staff from the town's Tesco store and the Two Lifeboats Hotel.
Carnival committee member Della McClean said the raft race had attracted a much bigger turnout of spectators than expected, particularly in the light of the time change.
'It was fantastic,' she added. 'It was a great start to the carnival and it has kicked it off in spectacular style.'
Carnival week opens next weekend with a Harley Davidson bike rally from midday on Saturday and crowning day on Sunday, which runs on the Leas from 11am and includes children's games, charity stalls, a Newfoundland dogs display, dance demonstrations and a Yak52 air display.
The carnival prince and princess will be chosen on Friday, July 28, at a selection disco being held at Sheringham Community Centre from 2pm-4pm. Entrants should be aged 12 or under and either be a pupil at Sheringham Primary School or live within five miles of St Peter's Church.
For more information about carnival week events, visit www.sheringhamcarnival.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here