The parade left Grand Avenue at around 1.30pm on Monday, August 25, and made its way to Steyne Gardens along Marine Parade, which was lined with cheering crowds four or five people deep.

A succession of brightly decorated floats and vehicles carried people of all ages wearing anything from fantastic fancy dress to skimpy bikinis.

Youngsters from Worthing Kung-Fu School walked the route while performing martial arts routines.

Cheerleaders

And young cheerleaders from the Worthing Panthers team put their pom-poms and ponytails on display as they waved, danced and cartwheeled along the route.

One of the most popular groups was the team of dancing, acrobatic geriatrics, complete with Zimmer frames, promoting Worthing Musical Comedy Society's production of The Producers, which will show at the Connaught Theatre in early November.

Other young stars on display included the cast of the Tori Productions' show Narnia, a troupe of clowns courtesy of Worthing Boys' Club and dancers promoting New Southern Musical Productions' show Fame, The Musical.

The parade also featured a happy assortment of Vikings, belly-dancers, bands and more.

Musical

At Steyne Gardens, a variety of games, stalls, bouncy castles and refreshments kept the crowds amused while the stage hosted a variety of musical acts.

Worthing mayor Christine Brown presented an award to carnival princess Ellie Poland, who was voted for by Herald readers, and the top floats were presented with their prizes.

Winners included the Hollis School of Dance and Drama (HSDD) with their fairy and pixie-themed float, Tori Productions, Alfresco cats, by Worthing Cat Welfare Trust, West Tarring Boys' Club's The Red Barrows display team and the cast of Curtain Call's production of Oliver!.

Jo Rogers, from the HSDD, was "over the moon" with their unexpected win, saying: "The float was amazing. It was done by two of my mums.

"The kids were having a great time on the float, cheering and waving.

"I wasn't expecting it at all."

Best ever

John Brenton, from Worthing Rotary, said: "I think the parade was probably one of the best, if not the best ever - not only did we have a very large number of entries but the floats were excellent and it was obvious that a huge amount of effort and creativity had been put into each one."

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