DRIVING wind and rain failed to dampen the spirits of those taking part in this year’s annual Battens Charity Beach Volleyball Tournament in Weymouth.

Twenty-two teams braved the elements on Weymouth Beach, helping to raise more than £1,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

And in a hard-fought final, the five-strong Agincare Demons beat a rival team from the Weymouth-based care provider – the Agincare Angels – by 17 points to 15 to be crowned 2012 champions.

Team captain Mark Baker said: “We’re absolutely over the moon at winning.

“The weather wasn’t on our side but it’s a brilliant event and we had a really good time.”

This year’s tournament was the fifth to be staged by Battens and attracted teams from a wide variety of companies and organisations, including the Dorset Echo.

A side from Stratton Village Hall won the ‘Best of the Rest’ final.

Trudy Braithwaite, Battens’ marketing manager, said: “All the teams showed true British grit in the face of some appalling weather.

“Despite the rain, wind and the cold, the tournament was a great success. Our thanks go out to everyone who took part and helped raised money for such a well-deserving cause.”