Cromer will welcome the return of the World Pier Crabbing Championships where crowds of people will line the length of the pier to vie for the coveted title.

Eastern Daily Press: The auction taking place at Cromer. Picture: Chris Taylor.The auction taking place at Cromer. Picture: Chris Taylor. (Image: (C) Chris Taylor Photo)

On August 27, 81 decorated portholes will be displayed on the pier forecourt before they are auctioned off to the highest bidder for charity.

The two annual events are organised by the Cromer and Sheringham Crab & Lobster Festival and will be joined by an array of local craft stalls along the promenade.

Throughout the summer the portholes have been adorning shop windows, hotels, pubs and guesthouses across north Norfolk.

Decorated by more than 400 local people, have been on display as part of the Festival's annual art trail.

From industrial themed portholes to a replica of the yellow submarine and a porthole complete with a giant octopus to one painted with a portrait of Henry Blogg's dog, Monty, the spectacular portholes have collectively taken more than 2,000 hours to decorate.

Lining the pier forecourt the spectacular portholes will be auctioned off from 2.30pm.

Over the last seven years the festival's auctions have raised more than £38,000 for local good causes.

The auction, which has become a staple event for the festival, will be the first and only time people will have a chance to see all the portholes displayed together.

The 81 lots on sale, sponsored by local businesses and tricolated by local people, include huts decorated by artists Samuel Thomas and Sammy Merry as well as schools and community groups.

The trail has received wondrous attention from locals and visitors alike who have taken on the challenge of spotting all the portholes.

Festival Chairman Tony Shipp said: 'Hundreds of visitors and local families have followed the Porthole Art Trail through the season, the auction is your chance to bid for your favourite and is the climax to this year's festival which has proved

the most popular yet.

'We hope that locals and visitors alike will spend the day with us in Cromer on August 27 and take part in the Crabbing Championships before attending and bidding at the auction.'

For more information and to download a sealed bid registration form visit the website.