Creatures of the deep will be invading a seaside city as part of a colourful fundraiser.

Mermaids, mermen and sea creatures of all kinds will be invading Brighton and Hove seafront this summer in celebration of seas and sealife.

The March of the Mermaids on July 26 is raising awareness of marine conservation and funds for the Marine Conservation Society.

March of the Mermaids has been created by 26-year-old organiser Hannah Chilton, from Brighton, who was inspired to create the event after years of following the Coney Island Mermaid Parade which takes place every year in New York.

Last year was the first for March of the Mermaids in Brighton and Hove and saw hundreds of marchers dressed as their favourite sea creature of choice come together to take part in the UK's first official gathering of mer-folk.

Organisers say the event is a family friendly day.

This year groups and charities are being encouraged to take part and promote their own marine related campaigns.

The parade begins on Hove Lawns at 2pm at the Peace Statue and ending at 4pm at Above Audio in Marine Parade, Brighton, where an after party of music, live entertainment and the crowning of the Queen Mermaid 2014 and King Prawn 2014.

A pre-event fundraiser party was held on Saturday as part of Brighton Fringe at the Fortune of War in King's Road, Brighton.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/mermaids.march or www.marchofthemermaids.com.