Cromer got revved up for the start of the town's festivities with the return of the soapbox derby.

James Garwood won Sunday's street race in his classic car after completing the obstacle course in just 23 seconds - despite crossing the finishing line with just one wheel - as hundreds of onlookers lined the sun-kissed streets to catch a glimpse of the action.

He was presented with the Malcolm McGreadie Shield, which is named in memory of one of the carnival's founding members, by his daughters Libby Clohisey and Sheila Inglis.

The race signals the start of the second week of children's activities on the pier forecourt from today ahead of the official carnival week start on August 13.

Looking ahead to the festivities, which will this year be led by Carnival Queen Joanna Annison and her court, Cromer Carnival chairman Tony Shipp said: 'We've got fantastic weather and huge crowds so it really makes us feel like the carnival is well and truly underway. We've got one week of children's activities left in the build up to next weekend and a full programme of events for carnival week itself.'

Highlights of this year's carnival include a aerobatic display by the Red Arrows on carnival day - Wednesday, August 17; and a grand finale fireworks display by Titanium Fireworks - the same company who light up London on New Year's Eve - on Thursday, August 18.

More photographs in this week's papers.