COUNCILLORS have voted unanimously in favour of Weymouth hosting Britain’s first competitive sand sculpture event.

Members of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s management committee approved a proposal to lease an area of Preston Beach’s overspill car park for what is hoped would become an annual event.

The proposed competition is the brainchild of Weymouth beach sand sculptor Mark Anderson, who told members the event would be unique in Britain and would draw in international competitors and interest.

Mr Anderson said: “Weymouth is the home of sand sculpting in the UK and this is intended to be a worldwide event that would grow each year. I would welcome the support of the committee for this proposal.”

Mr Anderson added that he has more than 20 years’ experience of helping to run and take part in similar foreign competitions.

Members heard the event would make use of a number of sheltered sand pits in which sculptors could exhibit their work alongside workshops in which visitors could try their hands at the discipline themselves.

Councillor Tim Munro said that including facilities such as stalls selling refreshments into the event would ‘bounce it up’ to becoming more of a ‘commercial agreement’ between sponsors, event organisers and the council.

Councillor Anne Kenwood told members that she has fond memories of seeing Mr Anderson’s grandfather Fred Darrington creating sand sculptures on Weymouth beach when she was a child.

She added: “I really welcome this proposal and I can remember being very impressed with the sculptures as a child when I came to Weymouth beach.

“I’m so pleased that Mr Anderson has taken this on.”

Coun Kenwood also recalled how impressed the Queen and Prince Philip were when they saw Mr Anderson’s sculpture of Windsor Castle on Weymouth beach during their summer visit.

She added: “This is wonderful for Weymouth and slots in just right here. “I think this is something we should go for.”

An officers’ report published before the meeting said the event would ‘generate significant positive media exposure’ for the borough although the council would have to consider the ‘operational impact of not having sufficient parking provision’ at times during the peak season.

Coun Munro congratulated council officers on the quality of their report. Committee members voted unanimously in favour of leasing an area of Preston Beach’s overspill car park for up to three years for the purpose of a sand sculpture competition, subject to successful negotiations including financial and lease considerations and planning consent.

The final decision on whether the event should go ahead will be made later in the year. After the meeting, Mr Anderson said he was delighted to have the support of committee members and is continuing to work on getting the event off the ground.