Giant sand sculpture on Weymouth beach

Around 40 students from Budmouth Technology College and 120 students from seven Weymouth primary schools joined together to create the spectacular sand beasts to raise money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Pupils from Conifers Primary, Beechcroft Primary, Wyke Junior, St John’s Primary, St Augustine’s Primary, Radipole Primary and Chickerell Primary all took part in the event.

The main sculpture was a giant sea monster measuring 50 metres in length.

A JCB was hired to plough the sand into position as the monster was nearly 5ft high and Weymouth firefighters helped by providing two trenches of water that were used to wet the sand.

Budmouth students sculpted dolphins, giant crabs, lobsters, starfish and mermaids into the body of the sea monster as well as massive arms, legs and tail.

The head of the monster was created by Weymouth sand sculptor Mark Anderson, who was hired to give the creature a really professional focal point.

Mr Anderson also demonstrated different sand sculpture techniques and the tricks of his trade to the children.

Event organiser Vikki Gibson, head of art at Budmouth Technology College, said: “The event came about as a creative collaboration with Weymouth primary schools.

“We wanted students to engage creatively with their local environment and sand sculpture on the beach seemed like the perfect idea.

“We enlisted the help of the fire brigade who filled up reservoirs which the children used to wet the sand in order to sculpt it.”

She added: “The event was a huge success, the sculptures were original, creative and skilfully done.

“The children were really inventive and we had sculptures ranging from Neptune’s palace and wild sea serpents, to ship wrecks and prehistoric fish. The sun shone brightly for the event despite forecasts of showers.

“Everyone had a lovely time and the sculptures generated a lot of interest from passers by.”

More than £160 was raised for the Dorset Air Ambulance.