BRITAIN’S premier beach volleyball event – the RAF Careers Classic – returns to the sands of Weymouth.

The 29th annual showpiece gets underway tomorrow afternoon with qualifying, before the main draw kicks off on Saturday and culminates with the finals on Sunday afternoon.

More than 70 teams from across Britain and Europe will be coming to the event, including two Great Britain men’s teams hoping to take part in next year’s Olympics.

Last year’s champions Robin Miedzybrodzki and Tom Lord, along with Jake and Luke Sheaf, have been playing in World Tour events this summer trying to gain enough qualifying points for the Olympics, but will take a break from the Tour in order to come to Weymouth.

Unfortunately, the two top British women’s sides, who are also trying to qualify for the Olympics, will be missing as they have a vital World Tour event in Poland this weekend.

However, Australian pairing Claire Kelly and Carla Kleverlaan, who are also looking to London 2012, have decided to sample British conditions and will be among the favourites to take the women’s title.

One team which will attract local interest is Ryan Stout and Mat Hunter.

Budmouth student Stout is playing his first year on the British men’s tour and is currently ranked 10th.

The teenager is highly capable of springing a major surprise and will be one to watch at the weekend.

An extra event this year is the Dorset Classic, for teams living in Dorset and not taking part in the main draw.

This will give an opportunity for local players to experience the Classic and be crowned the first ever county champion.

The action takes place on 10 courts with all the major matches being held on a specially built centre court – with free seating for over 500 spectators.

Building up to the weekend showcase, a charity volleyball competition – the Battens Tournament – takes place on the beach this evening.