A new carnival queen has been selected for Deal as plans scale up to make Kent's biggest seaside carnival "the best yet".

Tiffany Lawrence, 17, was crowned the new Miss Deal for 2022 out of nine entrants at a selections event at Betteshanger Social Club on Saturday.

The former Goodwin Academy pupil will be fulfil her new duties around her own business which involves training horses.

She put herself forward for the position after spending a year as a junior princess in 2013.

Chief executive of Deal Carnival Court Association, John Trickey, said: "She is stunning girl, and a lovely person. It was a unanimous decision.

"We remember her mother Gemma Lawrence who was queen in 1997."

She will represent the town at carnivals throughout Kent and also attend other events around the South East.

Her sister Chanelle Lawrence, 14, joins her on the court as a senior princess along with Lily Wood, 15.

Emmie Robson was crowned junior queen, while Bella Brookes and Izzy Mills are junior princesses. Runner up was Roxy Higginson.

Completing the court is rosebud Ruby-Rose Cheap, daughter of former queen Amie Cheap.

The evening event saw Marlene Burnham step down from her role as president after 15 years. She has been replaced by Nicholas Tomaszewski.

A new award in her honour, The Marlene Burnham Award, was presented for the first time to outgoing queen Phoebe Mills for her outstanding contribution over the past two years.

Preparations now continue for this year's Regatta Week which starts with the Teddy Bear's Picnic on Walmer Green on Saturday, July 23.

A new event the Wing Walkers is being introduced on Sunday, July 24, with the main event Deal Carnival on Thursday, July 28.

The parade remains a traditional event - and symbol of summer - in the town.

It is one of Kent's best supported carnivals, attracting thousands of spectators.

Mr Trickey said: "After a turbulent two years, we want to make it the best yet. We already have the Croydon Steel Youth Band booked."

He is also working with tourism chiefs at Dover District Council and Kent County Council on a major carnival event in Deal for 2026, to mark the 200th anniversary of the carnival.

He added: "We have already held meetings and the response has been excellent.

"This is a special anniversary and we're looking to make it absolutely sensational."

A new website has been launched with all event details. Visit: dealcarnival.org