Thousands of spectators lined the streets as a colourful parade brought a carnival atmosphere to the coast.

The annual Worthing Rotary Carnival got off to a flying start yesterday morning and showed no signs of slowing down for the rest of the day.

The sun shone brightly for the parade, made up of more than 30 floats, which started from Grand Avenue before heading down along the seafront to Steyne Gardens.

John Rogers, carnival organiser, said: “It’s fantastic. There were so many people lining the streets and everyone had a brilliant time.

“The weather’s brilliant. It was beautiful sunny Worthing at its best.”

Scope, Worthing Thunder and Worthing Rotary Club were among the organisations to enter a float in the parade.

Among the imaginative designs was a Doctor Who-style float and despite it being four months until Christmas, a Father Christmas float was also a popular part of the procession.

Tombola Hundreds more people packed Steyne Gardens to enjoy the vast range of stalls and entertainment on offer Face painting and balloon animals were a popular favourite among children and a dog show organised by Grove Lodge vets entertained the crowds.

All money raised from the dog show, which included tricks such as sausage catching, will go towards Chestnut Tree House.

As families settled down for picnics, the live music stage helped keep the party atmosphere alive.

“It was absolutely chock-a-block at Steyne Gardens,” added Mr Rogers.

“It is one of the best turn outs we have ever had. There’s so much to do and see – lots of shows, children’s face painting, balloon making, lot of charity stalls and tombola.

“It’s better than I thought it would be. We always hope we are going to get a big crowd and the weather has been kind to us so we have drawn one of our biggest crowds yet.

“There will definitely be another carnival next year for another spectacular Bank Holiday Monday.”

The Worthing Rotary Carnival has been an annual fixture in Worthing since the 1920s and is a flagship event for the three Rotary Clubs of Worthing, Worthing, Steyne and West Worthing.