Red carpet style came to Sheringham as film fans turned out to celebrate the efforts of amateur movie makers at a glittering awards bash.

The Hollywood-style ceremony was hosted by the Coast festival at the Little Theatre, where glitzy gowns and smart suits were in abundance.

The evening was the main event in the festival's 10-day programme and revealed the winners of its popular film competition, which attracted entries from as far away as Australia.

The first half was dedicated to the runners-up before the five winners were revealed in the second half.

Among the winners were local entrants Alison Harvey from Northrepps, who wowed the judges with her animation Night Vision, sisters Jade and May Mander from Norwich, who shot their horror fantasy Beach Dreams at Burnham Overy, and Robin Skipper - son of Cromer broadcaster, author and entertainer Keith Skipper - who made Quit, a 'very witty' film about giving up smoking.

The remaining winners were Jamie Haigherty and Tami Doncic, film students from Rochdale, who made Between Friends about the angst of student life, and Rob Stephen from North Wales, who made the stop frame feature Wall Drawings, which took four months to shoot.

As well as the awards guests enjoyed entertainment from Marilyn Monroe, played by professional tribute act Shona Allen, and Hollywood tunes from keyboard maestro Geoff Cummings-Knight.

Eddie Anderson, a trustee of the festival who compered Tuesday's awards night, said it had gone 'spectacularly well'.

'Every film entered in its own way was a winner. They were all very personal and we saw the most incredible variety of style, ideas and techniques to make films,' he added.

'And we had a terrific audience. Everybody dressed to the nines, it was a real Hollywood party in Sheringham.'

He praised the 'superb' theatre staff who helped ensure the night went without a hitch and hoped it could be held again next year.

The festival, which this year has a film theme, continues until Sunday with screenings and movie making workshops.

For more details about upcoming events visit www.casaf.co.uk or www.coastfilm-festival.com.