A pirate ship, a model of the Tower Bridge, fancy castles and Chinese dragons all helped to mark the culmination of a week of events which have bought fun and laughter and community spirit to the north Norfolk Coast.

The Sheringham Carnival parade which took place this afternoon marked the final day of the carnival which has taken place over the past week from July 28 to August 5.

Events staged over the week include street races and an aquackic duck race, a sandcastle competition, pet shows, talent shows and a 'mega raffle'.

Despite an initial downpour, the parade set off from Station Road car park in the town at 4pm led by a large group of town criers from across the county.

The Dunstable Arms in Sheringham float which was centred on all things British through the ages and shaped like the Tower Bridge in London won first prize in the best pub and trade and business categories.

Landlady Jackie Ling said: 'We are really pleased, ecstatic, especially as the person who designed this float, his uncle was David Farrow, who he is named after, and who the award is named in honour of.'

The Best in Parade - The 'Katrina Chamberlain' Cup went to Ayers Sea Rescue with their floats shaped as lifeboats, fishing boats and an air helicopter.

But despite carrying on through the rain, Sheringham carnival chairman Stuart McClean, said the changeable weather had undoubtedly had some effect on the carnival in general.

He said: 'It has rained at critical times during the carnival, such as presiding the entertainment in the early evening. It has cleared up, but it has put people off venturing out.

'In general the numbers are very much down mainly because of the recession and the weather.'

He said in total they had 47 pre-booked entries for the parade.

Cups were awarded for first, second and third places in five different classes in the parade.

The winners were as follows: Youth Groups (sponsored by St. David's Nursing Home), 1 - Open Door Community Art Projects 2 - Churches Together 3 Ladybird Pre-school.

Family and Social Groups (sponsored by Sun Court Nursing Home) 1 Ayers Sea Rescue 2 H and Co 3 - Mini-Mexicans from Sun Court Nursing Home.

Singles/Pairs Fancy Dress 13+ (sponsored by Hanover Housing) 1 Barry Williams 2 - All Dolled Up

3 Eddie Page

Trade and Business (sponsored by The Poppy Line) 1 - Dunstable Arms 2 The Garden Shop 3 - Sheringham Medical Practice

Vintage Cars and Bikes (sponsored by The Poppy Line) 1 Mr and Mrs Bizzell 2 - Mark Wyatt 3 Colin Brooks

Best in Parade - The 'Katrina Chamberlain' Cup Ayers Sea Rescue.

Best Pub or Club - The David Farrow 'King of the Carnival' Cup (sponsored by The Tyneside Club) The Dunstable Arms