Cantona on the beach

Brighton beach, famous for its pebbles, was this week transformed into a golden oasis when 400 tonnes of sand arrived for a beach soccer tournament featuring Eric Cantona and Matt Le Tissier.

The Kronenbourg Cup the UK leg of the European Pro Beach Soccer League is taking place over the Queen's Golden Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend (June 1-3) and will include, amongst others, the former Manchester United and Southampton stars.

The sand, which has undergone a special washing and drying treatment, has been transported from Chichester by 23 lorries to create the playing surface within the purpose built 3,000-seater stadium.

The Kronenbourg Cup will feature England, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, France and current European Beach Soccer League Champions, Portugal.

After the tournament finishes, the sand-filled stadium will remain in place for a further few days for Brighton and Hove Albion's 'Football in the Community' scheme.

'The stadium provides a fantastic opportunity for the Football in the Community scheme,' said David Jupp, Football and Community Development Officer at Brighton and Hove Albion FC. 'We are organising two full days of coaching activities for groups from in and around Brighton, that will give people the opportunity to try out beach soccer for themselves.'

Tickets to The Kronenbourg Cup are on sale now via the ticket hotline 0870 900 9100, and further information on the event can be obtained by visiting the official website www.englandbeachsoccer.org.uk

The European Pro Beach Soccer League has two divisions Northern and Southern Europe.

Countries compete in a series of events from the beginning of June to the end of August culminating in the Super Final in Monaco in September.

Pictured: Preparation work on the beach and (inset) Eric Cantona.