Ancient Rome arrives in Brighton

Tents will cover almost a quarter of the 40,000-sq-ft site

After Cleopatra and Egyptian pyramids were carved in sand in 2005, Ancient Rome is the subject for the World Sand Sculpture Festival in Sussex this year.

Sixty international artists are working on nearly 200 sculptures which will be on display over the summer at Black Rock, near Brighton Marina.

Gladiators, Julius Caesar and the Colosseum are being made out of Dutch river sand mixed with water.

The festival takes place from 1 June until 10 September.

Spokeswoman Michelle Lamb said: "Last year was very popular so we have decided to come back with a new theme to give people something fresh and educational to look at."

Sculptors from Britain, America, Germany, Russia and Holland began their work on the site this week.

Visitors will be able to see the finishing touches being put to the sculptures during the first four days of the festival.

Nearly 10,000 tons of sand is being specially imported from Holland.