WEYMOUTH'S international beach cricket festival will definitely go ahead this summer, according to organisers.

Project co-ordinator Jon Dixon said half the funding needed is already in place - two months ahead of schedule.

The event, the first of its kind in this country, will feature former world stars including New Zealand ace Chris Cairns and England's Alan Mullally.

Mr Dixon said: "It's definitely going ahead, there's no doubt about it. It's going to be massive.

"This is the sort of high-profile event Weymouth deserves. It will be a fun and vibrant tournament."

The four-day September festival will also feature a junior competition, a women's tournament and a gala dinner.

Mr Dixon said firms including Red Bull, Liverpool Victoria and New Look have signed up as sponsors.

He said Sky Sports News will cover the festival and negotiations are ongoing with Setanta Sports to show it live.

"We set ourselves the target of reaching half of our funding by May 31 and we're there already," he said.

"I'm so grateful to the firms for putting their trust in us. Now we're ready to go."

Lashings World XI, a famous club made up of international stars past and present, are entering two teams in the tournament. Former West Indies captain Richie Richardson and Australian batsman Greg Blewett will represent them along with Cairns and Mullally.

Mr Dixon said Smasher Sports are also entering a side made up of current first class Asian stars, many with test cricket experience.

The final team, Balti House Barracudas, has been sponsored by the Balti House in Commercial Road, Weymouth and will be made up of local cricketers.

Mr Dixon said: "It's exciting because these guys are some of the best in the world.

"Seventy-five per cent of the players taking part will be professional. Lashings are excited because they're keen to expand in this part of the country.

"This is a first in Weymouth's history, to have this many internationals coming down."

Other plans for the festival include a disabled cricket demonstration and luncheons with special guests at Weymouth Pavilion.

Mr Dixon said: "The borough council have been fantastic. They've worked so hard.

"Local schools have been brilliant as well, giving their pupils permission to take part in the junior tournament.

"There's a long way to go though, and we're still looking for more sponsors."

Festival proceeds will go towards purchasing a new electronic scoreboard for Weymouth Cricket Club and a new roller for Portland Red Triangle Cricket Club.

Cash will also be given to Wessex Cricket Academy to help fund scholarships and their tour of Denmark.

Mr Dixon said: "I'm a great admirer of coach Simon Talbot and what he's doing at the academy. It's the sort of thing I wish had been around when I was a youngster and that's why they're involved."

For more information, visit www.lashings.com To sponsor the event, call Mr Dixon on 07876 242802.