Record crowds flocked to Cromer's seafront to watch as speedy servers from across the town battled it out in the annual waiter race.

As part of the week long carnival celebrations the promenade was transformed into a racetrack for the culinary competitors during the popular event held yesterday afternoon.

Dozens of well-wishers gathered to cheer them on as they dashed from the pier to the former Bath House hotel and back again with a tray full of drinks.

The pressure was on as staff had to try not to spill their cargo while hotfooting it back to the finish line as quickly as possible.

Chris Henderson, from the Links Country Park Hotel in West Runton, and Anna Baker, from Cromer's Red Lion Hotel, proved to be the niftiest competitors scooping first place in the waiter and waitresses race respectively.

Mr Henderson, 20, said: 'I'm sure my mum will be proud.'

Prizes were also given out to Jamie Barnes, from the Red Lion, and Kim Wilson, from the Virginia Court Hotel, Cromer, who were crowned the best dressed waiter and waitress. The carnival celebrations continue today with arena events, starting from 10.30am.