Over 300 people took part in the highly-anticipated return of Maldon Carnival's Spot the Stranger competition this year.

69 shops in Maldon participated in the event, which took place from 24 July to 8 August, by putting strange objects which they do not normally sell in their windows.

This year's winner, and the only person to find all the strangers, was 10-year-old Emily Whitworth from Maldon.

She said: "It took me five to six hours to find all the strangers - I was out with my parents for four evenings.

"The best stranger was the Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle that was for sale by Holden Estate Agents.

"The hardest stranger to find was a hot water bottle by Essex Beds."

The competition was cancelled last year due to Covid.

Councillor David Ogg, the town mayor, and Anya, the Maldon Carnival princess, presented Emily and third place winner Charlie Taylor, aged seven, with their medals and certificates.

John Clark, aged 13, came second in the competition but was unable to make the presentation.