Granddad king of the sandcastles

All ages took part in the competition

A 63-year-old grandfather has taken the title of the UK's sandcastle champion.

Neil Barlow, from Cambridge, created a model of a medieval Italian village with son Gordon, 34, and grandchildren Ronny, 14, and Stacey, 6.

About 250 people entered the British National Sandcastle Building competition in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

The new Master of Sand said he had been a keen sandcastle builder since childhood and did not consider Saturday's creation his best effort.

I got the idea from a village we'd seen on holiday in Italy earlier this year Sandcastle champion Neil Barlow

"It's meant to be a medieval village - although it wasn't quite how I imagined it because we didn't have enough room," said Mr Barlow.

"I got the idea from a village we'd seen on holiday in Italy earlier this year.

"My son and grandson and granddaughter all helped me build it - it probably took us around three hours.

"I must have been building sandcastles since I was a child. I am a keen sandcastle builder - but I don't think this is the best I have ever done."

Mr Barlow travelled to the resort with his family especially for the competition.

Organisers Teletext Holidays said they hoped that the competition might become an annual event.