A giant ant, a mermaid and a pod of dolphins were among the designs dreamed up by youngsters and families taking part in Sheringham carnival's sandcastle and sculpture contest.

Eastern Daily Press: Mary, Henry and William with their giant ant sand sculpture. Picture: KAREN BETHELLMary, Henry and William with their giant ant sand sculpture. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

The event was part of the final day's programme, which also featured a chalk-a-picture competition and a model boat contest which saw children of all ages race boats made from paper templates and create craft of their own design.

Eastern Daily Press: The winning ice cream sand sculpture, created by a team made up of seven local families. Picture: KAREN BETHELLThe winning ice cream sand sculpture, created by a team made up of seven local families. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

The winning sand sculpture entry was a giant ice cream cone created by a children and adults' team made up of five local families.

Eastern Daily Press: The Wright family with their mermaid sand sculpture. Picture: KAREN BETHELLThe Wright family with their mermaid sand sculpture. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Carnival queen Abigail Dowsett-Olby, who judged the competition with the help of attendants Natasha Grand and Chloe Hambling said picking the winners was a challenge.

Eastern Daily Press: Sheringham carnival sandcastle and sculpture competition. Picture: KAREN BETHELLSheringham carnival sandcastle and sculpture competition. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

'The adults seemed to enjoy themselves just as much as the children,' she added. 'There was a brilliant turnout and it was extremely tricky to decide as there were so many great entries.'

Eastern Daily Press: Amber, Scarlett and Kelsey with their dolphin sandcastle sculpture. Picture: KAREN BETHELLAmber, Scarlett and Kelsey with their dolphin sandcastle sculpture. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Sheringham carnival sandcastle and sculpture competition. Picture: KAREN BETHELLSheringham carnival sandcastle and sculpture competition. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: The Wright family with their mermaid sand sculpture. Picture: KAREN BETHELLThe Wright family with their mermaid sand sculpture. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: The winning ice cream sand sculpture, created by a team made up of seven local families. Picture: KAREN BETHELLThe winning ice cream sand sculpture, created by a team made up of seven local families. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Sheringham carnival sandcastle and sculpture competition. Picture: KAREN BETHELLSheringham carnival sandcastle and sculpture competition. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)