Carnival festivities got under way in Maldon.

The launch of the biggest party in the town took place with the crowning of the Carnival Queen and the staging of the Maldon Carnival Dog Show.

Sarah Jayne Bulley took her place as the face of the celebrations at the launch on Carnival Week yesterday.

She was crowned by the chairman of Maldon District Council, Roy Pipe, who also declared the week-long celebrations under way.

The opening ceremony was held at Promenade Park, with thousands of people making the most of the sunshine.

After Sarah Jayne was crowned, hundreds of people packed into a marquee for the annual carnival church service.

There was live music from the Light Brigade as the sun set, with the carnival committee preparing the rest of the week's celebrations.

Also being held in the park was the Maldon Carnival Show.

The hot weather hit numbers at the annual dog show held at Promenade Park with some owners choosing to keep their fevered pooches in the shade.

But there was still a high turn-out, with crowds of people gathering to watch the 15 classes.

Judge Jane Hopkins chose winners in various categories including best rescue, veteran, novelty, junior and pedigree classes.

Quest Motors sponsored the event, providing rosettes for the top dogs.

Five-year-old doberman Molly, owned by Paula Stafford, of Tollesbury, won best in show.

Jill Tully has been organising the event since she moved to Maldon 15 years ago.

She said: "There was a slightly lower entry than usual because of the very hot weather, but most of the town seemed to turn out to watch. It all went very smoothly and I've probably got another 15 years in me yet."

The Maldon Carnival itself takes place on Saturday.

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