ORGANISERS of an annual charity volleyball tournament on Weymouth beach are all set for a smash hit of an event.

The event, hosted by local law firm Battens Solicitors, will take place on Thursday, July 31 and the money raised will be donated to the Dorset Kidney Fund.

Thirty-two teams from local businesses and organisations have already signed up, including the Dorset Echo team Echo Beach, with the deadline for entries being Friday, July 18.

Cherise Luke-Bennett, from Battens’ Weymouth office, said: “We have had a fantastic response. Teams were very quick to sign up this year.

“There will be a good mix with some regular faces and enthusiastic newcomers.

“It is always a fun and good natured evening as well as a lovely way for members of the local businesses community, friends and colleagues to network and socialise.

“As ever, we wanted the proceeds to benefit a worthy local charity, so we’re very pleased to be helping the Dorset Kidney Fund this year.”

The competition will act as the curtain-raiser to the Dorset/Hants Beach Volleyball Classic on August 1 and the RAF Careers Weymouth Beach Volleyball Classic the following weekend.

Members of the Dorset Kidney Fund will be on hand and there will also be a bar, a hog roast from the Fantastic Sausage Factory and entertainment from the Decadettes.

Last year more than £1,000 was raised for the South West Dorset branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society when the event was won by GH Podiatry.

Classic director Pete Bennett, from Weymouth Volleyball Club, said: “The Battens charity tournament will mark the start of a tremendous weekend of action.

“The volleyball club has a superb partnership with Battens and we hope a great sum of money is raised for the Dorset Kidney Fund.”

The Dorset Echo team will include Nigel Dean, Dan Rose, David Williams, Samantha Harman, Emma Walker, Catherine Bolado, Ben Carter and Carl Blackmore.

Reporter and team member Emma Walker said: “Team Echo Beach has been working hard in preparation for this year’s tournament.

“We’re excited to put our volleyball talent to the test on Weymouth Beach and to make it even better it’s for a really good cause.”

Team Echo Beach has taken part since the tournament began.

For more information on the event or to enter a team, visit battens.co.uk or contact Cherise Luke-Bennet on 01305 752373.