Littlehampton’s dukes of the dunes craft delightful displays

The contest attracted an impressive 230 entries, with some families from as far as Birmingham and Manchester on the beach to create their perfect seaside fortification.

All manner of wacky designs were on display, as well as the more conventional creations – everything from a lolly and an octopus, to a mermaid and countless forts was on show.

This year’s category for under-11s proved to be fiercely contested, with a team of five youngsters taking the title.

Brother and sister duo Kian, seven, and Annalie Bailey, nine, worked with friends, Phoebe Brown, seven, Isabelle Bennett, nine, and her younger sister Grace, four, to build their winning lolly design.

Taylor and Dakota Boyce, from Littlehampton, won the under-fives’ category with their impressive fort, while Jazmin Dervisoglu, 16, from Birmingham, was the victor in the over-11s’.

The competition was judged by Littlehampton Carnival’s ‘royalty’, the town’s mayor Joyce Bowyer, town councillor Malcolm Belchamber and Sandy Castle, the Harbour Park mascot.

Cllr Belchamber, chairman of the town council’s community resources committee, said: “It is on days like today that cherished childhood memories are made.

“It is a great pleasure seeing so many youngsters enjoying this traditional seaside event on our beautiful beach.

“There were some incredible sand sculptures, which made the judging a bit harder than usual, so well done to everyone.”

All winners received prizes courtesy of Harbour Park and Action Boat and Spirit FM provided free buckets on a first come, first served basis.