​DISCOVER Hidden Thanet in a photographic exhibition that explores the beauty of the district.

The Old Town Gallery in Margate’s Broad Street hosts a selection of images entered into the Protect Kent competition.

Protect Kent, the county’s branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, ran a contest this autumn, challenging photographers to capture unusual, challenging and beautiful images of the county.

More than 150 images, including this one, Gathering Storm by Bob Woodward, were submitted and together offer a unique record of Thanet.

The competition was linked with the ongoing campaigning work of Protect Kent to save Thanet from devastating industrial development.

Opening hours are 10am to 5.30pm Tuesday to Saturday. Call 01843 225565 or email mail@oldtowngallery.co.uk.

The exhibition which opens today (Friday) runs until January 9.

The opening coincides with the switch-on of the town’s Christmas lights, with a parade of pupils from Hartsdown college and Holy Trinity and St John’s primary school starting about 4pm from the top of the High Street. The lantern procession makes its way through town to The Parade where there will be carols with the Salvation Army band and a fireworks display.

There will also be a market in the old town.