The Barnacles pub team ruled the waves in the annual Margate Carnival Group raft race on Sunday.

The side was the fastest across the main bay from the Nayland Rock to the harbour in the 17th annual competition, completing the course in 12 minutes.

They took the overall title and came first in the non-professional class. The Northern Belle pub side won the professional class, and their ladies team won the title in their class.

Newcomers to the event this year were two sides from Hartsdown Technology College, in Margate, making their debut with a respectable fourth and sixth place.

The Westcoast bar side came home fifth and celebrated by setting on fireworks from the craft in the harbour, while the raft from the Madhouse pub ran into trouble and the crew was brought home by the inshore lifeboat team.

Margate Carnival Group secretary Shirley Tomlinson said: "It was a really competitive race and the rowers were cheered on by a large crowd. This year's event was dedicated to the memory of Peter Monk, one of Margate's real characters, who died recently.

"A big well done goes to all the competitors and their teams, the coastguard, lifeboat team and Thanet Leisure Force."