ZARA Dampney and Shauna Mullin, who won the Weymouth Classic in 2010, will represent Great Britain at London 2012, the British Olympic Association has announced.

The London Games will be the first time Team GB has been represented in beach volleyball since the 1996 Games in Atlanta when the sport joined the Olympic programme.

Former Wessex ace Dampney, who went to Hampreston First School in Wimborne, has competed with Mullin internationally since 2009 and the duo are currently ranked 37th in the world and number one in Britain.

Team GB decided to take advantage of the home nation place available to enter a women’s pair for beach volleyball, which will take place in what is set to become one of the iconic venues of London 2012, at Horse Guards Parade.

Mullin said: “Competing at the Olympics has always been a dream of mine and at the end of July my dreams are coming true.

“Being selected to represent Team GB and be part of what is going to be the best Olympics ever is a huge honour.”

Her beach volleyball partner Damp-ney, 26, added: “I am extremely excited to represent Team GB at the Olympics and I’m looking forward to the experiences and challenges that lie ahead, especially in front of our home crowd.”

The Olympic beach volleyball competition runs from July 28 to August 9.