Spectacular sandcastles, sausage-catching canines, weird and wonderful sea creatures and street races which saw contestants pelted with flour and water were just some of the attractions on offer during the opening days of Sheringham carnival.

Eastern Daily Press: Five-year-old Jonah Parfitt, who made a Neptune-themed throne and costume as part of the carnival sandcastle competition. Photo: Karen BethellFive-year-old Jonah Parfitt, who made a Neptune-themed throne and costume as part of the carnival sandcastle competition. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Dogs and owners donned fancy dress for a 'Top Dog' show organised by agility trainer Alison Poulter at West Runton Scout headquarters, while scuba diver Rob Spray of Seasearch East hosted a multi-media sealife show at the town's Mo Museum, before judging a model sea creature contest.

More than 20 family groups gathered on the beach on Monday, for a sandcastle and sculpture competition where entries ranged from sea nymphs and fantasy kingdoms, to a snooker table, a racing car and the tower of London.

Other events in a packed carnival programme included a novelty scarecrow trail, a pet show hosted by local vets Miramar and a chalk-a-sea-monster challenge run by local artist Colin Seal.

Today's line-up includes a string of games and competitions, from a talent show to a battle of the bands contest, before the procession of floats moves off from Station Road car park at 6.30pm this evening.

Eastern Daily Press: John Brine, his ten-year-old daughter Catherine (right) and her friend Mica, 10, add the finishing touches to their fantasy kingdom, which won the carnival sand sculpture contest. Photo: Karen BethellJohn Brine, his ten-year-old daughter Catherine (right) and her friend Mica, 10, add the finishing touches to their fantasy kingdom, which won the carnival sand sculpture contest. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

The carnival fun continues tomorrow, with a beach clean and sculpture contest, a seven-a-side football tournament, a vintage tea party hosted by Sheringham Women's Institute and a tug of war match at the Leas clifftop gardens.

Youngsters and their families have a chance to take part in the carnival duck race on Friday and take a trip on the North Norfolk Railway's Wizard Express, with Saturday's programme boasting a bowls tournament, a car treasure hunt, and beach games including welly wanging, pebble dash and wacky races.

The grand finale on Sunday will see hundreds take part in a torchlight procession through the town, before gathering on the Leas for a fire-breathing demonstration followed by a firework display at 9.45pm.

Eastern Daily Press: A snooker table sand castle. Photo: Karen BethellA snooker table sand castle. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)