Beach polo championships in town

Beach polo is "extremely exciting", say organisers

The first British beach polo championships will take place on the Dorset coast.

Six teams of top international riders and horses will compete for the title during the two-day tournament in Sandbanks, Poole, on 11 and 12 July.

Beach polo events, a variation of arena polo, have only been held previously in Miami and Dubai.

A temporary arena will be erected, surrounded on three sides by seating and corporate hospitality facilities.

The council consulted the local residents' association before giving organisers Sandpolo the permission to use a small section of Sandbanks to build the 100m (330ft) by 50m (165ft) arena.

Beach users will be able to watch the action free from a viewing area on one side of the arena.

David Heaton-Ellis, of Sandpolo, said: "Beach Polo is a great spectator sport.

"It is extremely exciting, with many changes in direction, high speed, and intense action."