WORK will start soon on a new sand sculpture enclosure for Weymouth beach.

The modern shell-like structure known as the Beach Gallery will be positioned on the sands opposite Alexandra Gardens, a few metres from the site of the old sandman’s enclosure which was demolished in March.

A spokesman for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council said work on the new structure will begin next week and should take about six weeks to complete.

The proposal for the new enclosure, designed by architects BFLS, was approved by planners earlier this year.

It will be slightly bigger than the old enclosure and offer protection from the elements and vandals. The new structure will also have a gift shop and be watched over by its own security cameras.

It has been agreed in principle that sand modeller Mark Anderson will display his sculptures at the new enclosure.

Mr Anderson, who carried on the sand modelling tradition on Weymouth beach started by his grandfather Fred Darrington, has also opened the Sandworld attraction at Lodmoor.