A weekly chief reporter has won first place at a local carnival after decorating her car with copies of the paper.

Liz Crudgington from the Herne Bay Times won a cup at the town’s carnival earlier this month after beating off the competition in the “Trade Tableaux” class.

She was helped out on the day by her dog Badger, who wore a party hat covered with the paper’s masthead, with the pair being praised by judges for their “enthusiasm and ingenuity”.

It comes after Times editor John Nurden won a prize last year for his Dad’s Army float.

Liz said: “Entering the carnival is a bit of a tradition in our office because it’s such a major thing in the town.

“I’m not sure my efforts measured up to editor John Nurden’s prize-winning Dad’s Army float, complete with PA system and commentary from Mr Ed himself, but I was delighted to win the cup.

“It was great fun to see so many familiar faces in the crowd, and it meant I could show off my dog too – I think our newshound was definitely the key to our success!”

The entry was popular with local people who tried to read the stories on Liz’s car and also gave generously for a charity collection, which will go to local good causes.