This fun, family event drew thousands of people to Morecambe and won national press coverage in a number of publications including The Times and Coast magazine.

All manner of sand sculptures from a mermaid to sea creatures and the Lost City of Atlantis to the Olympics logo, adorned the beach next to The Midland Hotel.

And in various locations visitors enjoyed shows by Poppets Puppets, Punch and Judy, 'The Strangelings', the 1920s Bathing Belles and a hand operated street organ as well as games with the council's 'play rangers'.

Organiser, David Wright, from Lancaster City Council, said: "I think it was a fantastic success. It was simple but quality entertainment. It was a tribute to the team who set it up and ran it. There were gale force winds at times so we moved the marquee from the beach to outside The Platform.

"The competition attracted 30 entrants from as far afield as Luton and over the border. It linked in with the BBC's Maritime Week.

"We were rather humbled that it attracted such fantastic, innovative entries. There were some very elaborate designs and they were very fitting for the seaside."

The event was judged by Stuart Newby, project manager for Volker Stevin a sponsor of the event; Coun Mrs June Ashworth, Matt Redhead, manager of the Midland Hotel and The Visitor's news editor, Ingrid Kent.

Two professional sand sculptors demonstrated their art to inspire the competitors. Jamie Wardley from Yorkshire created a sculpture based on the court of 'King Neptune'. He has worked all over Europe creating a great variety of pieces ranging from giant architectural masterpieces, to an FHM magazine babe (see his work at www.sandinyoureye.co.uk).

Jamie was joined by former World Champion and international competition winner, Dan Glover. Born in the USA, Dan now lives in Portugal and will be visiting the UK, exclusively for the Morecambe Festival (see him at www.kingsand.com).

Jamie will return to Morecambe to take part in 'We Do Like to be Beside the Sea: Morecambe's Celebration of the Sea' (formerly the Heritage Gala) on September 13 and 14. This event will feature street theatre, sea shanties, the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, guided walks, cabaret, story telling, vintage vehicles and a huge fireworks display on the Saturday night.

The results for the Sandcastle Festival were as follows:
Adults: Winners – In Your Own Time (Becka Westrup, Adam Bardsley, Andy Power); Runners Up – Sandstorm (Andrew Gibson, James Barnard).

Older Children: Winners – Dirt Devils (Antony Graham, 10 and Kyle Graham, 12); Runners Up – West End Boys (Jack Walker, 12; Ryan Ingols, 12; Kyle Price, 7).

Younger Children: Winner – One and Only (Liam Hill, 9); Runners up – Children of the purple Divas (Lara Forster, 10; Indiana Charel, 9; Elias Charnel, 6).

According to Morecambe Tourist Information Centre, it was their busiest day of the year, with 746 visitors passing through the doors.

Coun Shirley Burns, cabinet member with responsibility for tourism, said: "Although only in its second year, the Sandcastle Festival has quickly become a firm favourite.

"It was wonderful to see Morecambe so busy and packed with plenty of visitors, despite the weather not being as sunny as we might have liked. I hope the winners enjoy their prizes."