TOP players from all over Europe could soon be converging on Weymouth Sands for an international beach handball competition.

It follows the success of the first beach handball championships ever to be held in the resort at the weekend.

Around 35 teams from all over Britain and one from Sweden took part in the event which was described by JJ Rowland, chief executive of the International Handball Association as "absolutely brilliant".

"It was the first time we have staged the championships on a beach and Weymouth proved a superb venue," said Mr Rowland. "It is a lovely place and the beach was perfect for handball. We are definitely coming back again next year and we have already had inquiries from teams in Sydney and Vienna.

"The European Handball Federation are also planning to start a beach handball tour and we will be trying to get them to include Weymouth on their schedule in much the same way as it is included in the beach volleyball tour."

Youngsters from several local schools took part in their own competition before the weekend's main event as part of a push to introduce the sport which is relatively unknown in this country.

"Many of them then stayed on to watch the championships and we obviously hope they will continue to play and introduce it to their friends," said Mr Rowland.

The winners of the men's championship were Salford Sandcastles who beat Ruislip Eagles in the final. The positions were reversed in the women's final when Ruislips Eagles defeated Salford.

Winners of the minis section were Powerstock Primary School who overcame Southwell Primary in the final.